In the past couple of years we've been made aware of the growing problem of space debris orbiting the Earth. While this presents serious problems for craft launching into space; another side of the problem is rearing it's ugly head this weekend.
A low orbiting toxic waste container from the ISS (International Space Station) was "flipped" into a low orbit which has decayed to a point whee it will enter the atmosphere this Sunday. Scientist expect the re-entry to reduce the receptacle into 15 pieces weighing from 14 oz to 40 pounds when it lands.
While it's true that the grand majority of the planet is either covered with water or is uninhabited by humans one may think; so what, the odds are low.
I gain some comfort from that thought; but it doesn't erase the fact that what will hit is EXTREMELY TOXIC. That's not good for anything in the water or anything on land. They aren't really sure where it's going to land either.
Beyond all the obvious things I've pointed out; I do have one concern that isn't mentioned is that often times; toxic items can be utilized for weaponry if not directly, then by introducing a new substance to a country whose military will learn by its chemical makeup how to take a further step in chemical warfare.
The last thing is mere speculation on my part; but I don't think the idea is stranger than fiction.
The article is very interesting. You can read it here.
Share your point of view regarding this after reading the article. Am I way off?
