Update: the US Space Command reporting the debris fell somewhere over the Arabian Peninsula at approximately 9:15 CDT on May 8.
Space nerds, the FAA, and agencies around the globe, are tracking the Chinese rocket booster debris as it falls to earth. It’s not known what time it’ll hit or where, but it’s expected to occur sometime this weekend.
According to Chinese officials, Long March 5B should burn up on re-entry – mostly. Still, several tons of debris could rain down on us. The hope is we’ll see water impacts, but it’s anybody’s guess at this point. Hopefully, as the debris loses altitude, we’ll have a better idea who is in the path.
The international norm is for debris to be controlled when it re-enters the earth’s atmosphere. In this case, China has failed to control it. Not surprised. Now we have to wait and see what happens.
Coronavirus didn’t kill me and I’m going to be really pissed if I die from flipping Chinese rocket trash.