German satellite could collide with Earth in late 2011
 

The ROSAT satellite has been in orbit for over 20 years, giving scientists data for thousands of articles. But now the three ton satellite is getting attention for a new reason: it will fall toward Earth in late 2011.

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,...n-2097-html-nl

Re: German satellite could collide with Earth in late 2011
 

"Collide" is probably a little overstating the satellite/planet interface scenario......;)

Re: German satellite could collide with Earth in late 2011
 

"Collide" in the same sense as flies collide with my windscreen. :D Except in that scenario the flies would actually have to vapourize an inch or so above the glass.

TBH it looks as if the journo who wrote the item may not be a native English speaker ...

Re: German satellite could collide with Earth in late 2011
 

damn germans ..dropped saterllites on our chipshop :mad:

Re: German satellite could collide with Earth in late 2011
 

as long as its not the lug wafler coming back for another go ;)

Re: German satellite could collide with Earth in late 2011
 

It won't "collide" at all

Re: German satellite could collide with Earth in late 2011
 

Re: German satellite could collide with Earth in late 2011
 

At least it's not a Volvo...... :D

Re: German satellite could collide with Earth in late 2011
 

Well as the Earth is covered in approx 71% water, its more than likely going to crash into water.

They might even be able to adjust its orbit to help acheive this.

Re: German satellite could collide with Earth in late 2011
 

Nah, It's steering systems went offline years ago.

It doesn't need it though, it'll lose altitude and burn up, really a non-story. If anything does hit earth it'll be nice small pieces that wouldn't do much damage.