US News: Family Sues NASA Following Space Station Debris Hits Florida Home
A family from Florida is suing NASA after their home was damaged by debris which fell to Earth from the International Space Station.
Law firm Cranfill Sumner, representing the family, stated that this case against the agency is groundbreaking and may set a precedent for future claims as space debris has become a significant issue.
The debris crashed into Alejandro Otero’s home in March, causing damage to the roof and floor.
Alejandro’s son, Daniel, who was at home at the time, thankfully escaped injury.
The family is seeking $80,000 (£63,000) in compensation for the distress and disruption caused by this incident, according to their legal representatives.
Cranfill Sumner acknowledged that their clients were fortunate to avoid physical harm, but emphasized the potential for a tragic outcome in this “near-miss” situation.
“If the debris had landed a few feet away, the consequences could have been severe,” the firm stated.
NASA explained that the debris resulted from a cargo pallet containing “aging batteries” being released into Earth’s atmosphere using a robotic arm on the space station in March 2021.
“The debris was expected to burn up completely during re-entry on 8 March 2024,” NASA reported.
“However, a piece of debris survived re-entry and struck a home in Naples, Florida.”
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The International Space Station. Pic: Reuters
NASA identified the object as part of a “stanchion” used in flight support equipment to mount the batteries on the pallet.
It weighed approximately 1.6lbs (725g) and measured 4 inches by 1.6 inches.
Mica Nguyen Worthy, the Otero family’s attorney, remarked, “Space debris is a pressing issue due to the surge in space activities in recent years.
“If NASA were to accept full responsibility for the Oteros’ claims, it would send a strong message to governments and private industries that victims of such incidents deserve compensation regardless of fault.”
