As if SARS weren't enough...

[khaosworks]

Satellite alert for equator nations
Italy has warned 39 countries around the equator that one of its satellites could crash into their territory within the next 48 hours.

The BeppoSAX satellite is expected to fall to Earth between 1710GMT on 29 April and 1403GMT on 30 April, in a band straddling the equator that includes Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 1,400kg satellite was deactivated last year, and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) said it had used up all its hydrazine fuel.

There has been anxiety around the world at the impending crash landing, with the satellite predicted to break into about 140 pieces on re-entry - leaving a core 700kg mass.

Nigeria has urged its citizens not to panic, and Colombia's civil aviation chief was reported to be considering the suspension of "aerial operations".

All 39 countries are being kept up to date on the uncontrolled re-entry, but the probability was that the satellite would fall into the ocean than on land, ASI said.

Well, thanks a whole fucking bunch, Italy. I mean, just because you guys have been a bunch of pussies who fight even worse than the French ever since the fall of the Roman Empire doesn't mean you have to be assholes about it.

Update: It's landed in the Pacific.

Comments

[springheel-jack.livejournal.com]

They couldn't steer it down? What's up with waiting until there's no fuel left?

What?

[etherial.livejournal.com]

Why waste fuel on something you're not using?

[ladymondegreen.livejournal.com]

I assume they've thought of this, but couldn't they blow it up into smaller pieces? At least that way impact sites wouldn't be as large, though they would be more plentiful. I'd rather see lots of people with holes in their lawns than people with no houses, or lives.

It doesn't solve the problem, but it might make the impact less crushing.