An unmanned Russian spacecraft, which was launched to be sent to the International Space Station has lost contact with flight controllers and will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere soon. The Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos said that the out of control cargo spacecraft will not dock with the International Space Station.
The spacecraft, Progress 59 is 7m long and is carrying 2.5 tonnes of food, fuel, water, and other supplies. After it reached orbit on Tuesday, the vessel malfunctioned and it soon went into an uncontrolled spin. The spacecraft is rotating at 360 degrees every five seconds, travelling at the speed of over 16,000 mph and is currently 160 miles above the Earth.
Mikhail Kornienko and Scott Kelly, the astronauts currently on the board of the International Space Station, have said that flight controllers have stopped trying to command the cargo carrier. Roscosmos said that since safe docking with the ISS is not a possibility, they are working out options for water landing so that no damage to life and property is caused.
Before the spacecraft crashes down to Earth, it may remain in orbit for over a week or two. Due to the failed launch of the spacecraft, Progress 59, the financial hit could reach around £62 million. However, the loss may be partially covered as the ship was insured to the tune of £25 million.
The spacecraft is expected to cause no damage to life and property, however, it may rain debris on the Earth if it burns down completely before hitting the Earth’s surface.
Featured Image Credit: (cnbc.com)
