A Japanese satellite that halted operation in 1998 will likely enter the atmosphere and fall to the surface of Earth from around Nov. 31 to Dec. 10, the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) said Wednesday.
The satellite, Fuyo No. 1, which observed land, resources and the environment of Earth, could fall onto any part of the planet except the Arctic and Antarctica, NASDA officials said.
The satellite, launched in 1992 and weighing 1,340 kilograms, was traveling at about 342 kilometers above the ground as of Monday, according to the officials.
It will be the first time a Japanese satellite that orbited Earth has fallen to the surface of the planet, the officials said.
"It will be impossible to predict where the satellite will fall even at the last minute," an agency official said.
The officials believe only two titanium-alloy spherical tanks resistant to heat will remain unburned in the fall. Each tank is 55 centimeters in diameter and weighs 7 kg.
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