Kenya Space Agency warns over potential space debris re-entry this weekend

Kenyans have been asked to remain alert this weekend as a large piece of space debris is expected to pass through the country’s airspace.

The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) on Friday issued a public notice warning of a possible re-entry of the object, which could pose a threat if it enters Earth’s atmosphere over inhabited areas.

The object, identified as Norad ID 61909/2024-205R, is a large fragment from a rocket body. It originated from a satellite that was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China on November 11, 2024.

The KSA said the object is of particular concern because its predicted path crosses the eastern African region, including parts of Kenya.

The debris is expected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere on the night of Saturday, April 19, 2025, at around 11:15 pm.

However, the actual re-entry time could vary by more than 15 hours, meaning the object may enter anytime between 7:29 am on April 19 and 3:01 pm on April 20.

“The object could pose a significant risk to life and property along its path owing to its large size,” the authority said.

The agency said it is working with partners to refine predictions about the object’s flight path and timeline.

North-south direction

The likely trajectory runs in a north-south direction, starting in the north eastern part of Kenya and stretching to the southeast toward the border with Tanzania.

“While the debris is not expected to drop in Kenya, KSA out of abundance of caution, wishes to advise members of the public to be vigilant and to be on the lookout of potential debris dropping from or flying through the sky within the specified period,” the agency said.

This alert comes just months after a similar incident.

Makueni space debris

On December 30, 2024, residents of Mukuku village in Makueni County reported seeing a glowing object fall from the sky.

The Kenya Space Agency immediately launched an investigation and later confirmed the object was space debris.

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“The Agency wishes to clarify that the object, a metallic ring measuring approximately 2.5 meters in diameter and weighing about 500 kg, is a fragment of a space object,” KSA said in a statement released afterwards.

Preliminary findings revealed it was a separation ring from a rocket.

While most space debris either burns up in the atmosphere or lands in oceans, this one made it to the ground, raising awareness of the risks such objects can pose.

Take warning seriously

KSA has urged Kenyans to take the latest warning seriously. Any unusual sightings or objects falling from the sky should be reported to nearby authorities for further action.

“We further urge members of the public to report promptly the dropping of any space debris to the security agencies through the nearest police station, national government administrative office or military camp for necessary action.”

The agency promised to keep monitoring the situation and provide new updates as more precise data becomes available.