US state puts police teams on standby, warns public not to touch ‘toxic’ debris from Tiangong-1
Emergency services in Michigan in the United States have been put on standby for fear China’s out of control space station might crash into the state.
Tiangong-1 is currently hurtling towards Earth and expected to land any day. While most of the 8.5 tonne structure is likely to burn up as it re-enters the atmosphere, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said on Friday said that “there is concern that debris could make landfall”.
Based on its current trajectory, scientists have said the space station could land anywhere from Australia to the United States, with the southern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula included in the strip of the US – from northern California to Pennsylvania – where it might crash down.
“While the chances are slim that any of the debris will land in Michigan, we are monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond quickly if it does,” said Chris Kelenske, deputy director of the state’s police, emergency management and homeland security division.
“The state will rely on its existing satellite re-entry response and recovery plan for any necessary response protocols,” he said.
According to a statement by the state government, the debris could contain hydrazine, which is a highly toxic and corrosive substance.
