Out-of-control rocket could hit Earth

A huge piece of debris from China’s Long March 5B rocket launch is tumbling uncontrollably to Earth, prompting the White House
to call for “responsible space behaviours”


Core stage: Spinning out of control at 27,880km/h – orbiting Earth every 90 minutes

Scientists have little idea where it will actually land

Weight: 21 tonnes 
Unlikely all of it will burn up on re-entry


30m


May 9: Potential crash site in Pacific Ocean, after first passing over eastern U.S. cities

Apr 29: Launch from Wenchang, Hainan Island, China

41°S
NIGHT
DAY
41°N
Sun

Predicted atmosphere re-entry point, in skies above Sudan


Sources: Reuters, CBS News, Guardian, Aerospace 
Pictures: AP, Aerospace 
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