The Russian spacecraft, which has been spinning uncontrollably since launching last week, will crash and burn on Earth this Friday, scientists have said.
The unmanned Progress M-27M cargo carrier, which was launched from Kazakhstan and has 3 tons of goods aboard, had lost control after having a system malfunction in orbit, the BBC reported.
Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, has stated that the spaceship was expected to "end its existence" between 22:23 GMT Thursday and 06:55 GMT Friday. Any fragments to reach Earth should hit the sea and not land.
Cathleen Lewis, a specialist in Russian space programmes at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum had said last week that the likelihood of it coming down and hitting someone was "minuscule."
A Roscosmos spokesman told Reuters that the loss was valued at 50.7 million dollars.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app