Don’t Get Hit by the Falling Space Junk

Did you know that there is an entire group at NASA devoted to the study and tracking of space junk. At this very moment there is so much stuff just floating around in space, that if you were to throw a ball at the moon, it would probably hit something and go flying off into orbit itself. Seriously, there is so much junk.

If you watch the news, you’ve probably heard that one of NASA’s upper atmosphere research satellites, previously known as space junk, is coming back at some point in the next bit. No one agrees when or even where, but the satellite will make an uncontrolled reentry and will likely break into lots of little and not so little pieces. I read that one could weigh up to 300 pounds.

If you’re subscribed to the FAA, or any other, NOTAM alerts, you likely received a mildly cryptic email today that reads:

Urgent Airmen Notification – Satellite Re-entry
Notice Number: NOTC3252

 Until September 26, 2011

U.S. airspace and territories

Specific instructions and restrictions are available from normal NOTAM sites and local air traffic facilities.

*For the latest information, call your local Flight Service Station at 1-800-WX-BRIEF.

I’m not sure, but if I had to guess, I would say this is the FAA’s way of saying, “Don’t get hit by the falling space junk.” I don’t suppose the satellite filed a flight plan, but the FAA might have more accurate information about this event as it gets nearer. No matter what the FAA says, don’t look out the window at the 300 pound chunk of falling satellite and expect it to move. Also, if you can put your plane in a hangar. It probably won’t do a bit of good, but you’d hate to be the only guy on the ramp with an airplane that looks like an empty soda can someone crushed under their foot. At least in a hangar the roof can collapse on several planes at once maximizing the population of insurance checks in the area after the crash.

Anyway, I haven’t written anything here all week, since I’ve been otherwise occupied. If that bothers you, I’m sorry; check back Monday for the latest post. Otherwise, enjoy the weekend and don’t get squashed.