Washington, D.C. 28 June 2024– A Russian satellite launched into space has broken down into hundreds of pieces, according to a statement from NASA on Thursday. The incident, involving the 'RESURS-PWAN' satellite, occurred near the International Space Station (ISS), forcing astronauts to seek shelter in their spacecraft for about an hour. Fortunately, NASA has confirmed that the debris does not pose any immediate threat to Earth.

The satellite was launched in 2022 with the mission of Earth observation. On Wednesday, it unexpectedly disintegrated in orbit. The exact cause of the breakdown remains unknown.

The proximity of the incident to the ISS raised immediate safety concerns. Astronauts aboard the station were instructed to take precautionary measures by relocating to their spacecraft, ensuring they were prepared for any potential impact from the debris.

The U.S. space agency is closely monitoring the situation, tracking the fragments to assess any potential risks to other space missions and satellites. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of space debris and the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues to ensure the safety of current and future space operations.

Further investigations are expected to determine the cause of the satellite's disintegration and to evaluate the long-term implications for space traffic management.