NASA satellite debris discovered in Canada

The satellite was dispatched in 1991 to study the ozone and other chemicals in the Earth’s atmosphere. The mission was completed in 2005 and has since been making its way back to Earth due to gravity’s pull.

Although largely destroyed during the return trip, around 26 pieces of approximately 500 kg each may have survived and landed on Earth. Debris is discovered in Canada according to NASA after disintegrating on descent through the atmosphere.

These reports come after BBC previously stating the satellite would “not be passing over North America” and Italian media reporting possible collision over North Italy.

The exact time and location of the landing was previously unknown by scientists but re-entry was believed to have taken place early this morning between 5am and 6am.

Being one of the largest spacecraft (weighing in at 5,897 kg), to tumble uncontrollably through the earth’s atmosphere, scientists say the UARS debris field is expected to span roughly  805 km. But until the exact landing spot of the satellite, the exact location of all the debris is still undetermined.