An old U.S. Earth observation satellite could crash on the Korean Peninsula today, triggering an emergency response in South Korea. South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT issued a satellite fall alert at 7 o'clock this morning and established the "Space Hazard Countermeasures Headquarters", which is composed of relevant ** and experts to deal with possible dangerous situations. South Korea has also suspended flights at all airports across the country to avoid the impact of satellite debris on aviation safety.
The downed American satellite, named ERBS, is an Earth-Radiation Balance satellite that was launched in 1984, weighs 2,450 kilograms, and has been operating in space for almost 40 years. NASA says most of the satellite's components burn up as it enters the atmosphere, but there are still some pieces of debris that could hit the ground. NASA estimates that the probability of the wreckage hitting a person is 1,9400, which is equivalent to the probability of winning the lottery.
According to the analysis of the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea, the wreckage of the satellite may have crashed on the Korean Peninsula between 12:20 p.m. and 1:20 p.m. today, but the exact location and time are uncertain. In order to prevent the threat of satellite debris to South Korea, South Korea suspended flights at all airports across the country from 12:10 p.m. today, and did not resume until the satellite debris fell. South Korea's aviation industry said that the suspension may last until around 1:19 p.m. or may be extended depending on the situation. The suspension has had an impact on air transport in South Korea, resulting in some flight delays or cancellations.
South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT also reminded the public not to approach or touch the wreckage of the satellite if they see it to avoid harm. If the wreckage of the satellite is found, it should be reported to the local ** or ** immediately, and cooperate with the relevant departments to deal with it. South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT said it would closely monitor the dynamics of the satellite wreckage and inform the public of relevant information in a timely manner.