As reported previously, the wreckage of the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) is expected to fall on Friday (09/23/2011) tomorrow. NASA reveals that the approximate location of the fall of junk this satellite is between 57 degrees north latitude to 57 degrees south latitude.
Seen today, the professor of astronomy and astrophysics LAPAN, Thomas Djamaluddin said, "When asked if there is potential for the satellite crashed into Indonesia, the answer is no. All areas are in the range of 57 degrees north latitude to 57 degrees south latitude potential."
However, Thomas explained, until now, everything is uncertain. Met on Thursday (09/22/2011) afternoon in Jakarta, he said, now there is still a satellite at an altitude of 190 km and is still difficult for scientists to predict the time and place of the satellite's fall.
"If the satellite is already on the critical altitude, 120 km, just predictable. At that altitude, satellites can only be said to fall. This is because the atmosphere at that altitude is more dense so that the satellites move faster," explains Thomas.
Thomas said, it is estimated there are 26 pieces of the satellite will fall to Earth. Largest fragment size is estimated to 150 kg and there are small pieces that might fall. Distribution of fragments predicted quite extensive, reaching hundreds of kilometers.
According to Thomas, not like a meteor that burned when it entered Earth's atmosphere, some satellite components can indeed survive the atmosphere. Types of components that survived were made of titanium base.
For countries affected by satellite wreckage, Thomas said, "There is a rational exchange for the country that fall. Satelitrnya itself easily identified. Now all the space junk can also be identified belongs to whom. There is international law to make claims."
The possibility of an accident resulting in a direct satellite wreckage in humans is very small. Material that falls also not radioactive. However, NASA asked the people who find to report. Last thing to know is there's no point collecting junk.
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