Kenya Space Agency issues caution over potential re-entry of space debris over Kenyan airspace
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has issued an official statement warning the public of a possible re-entry of space debris over Kenyan airspace between Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20, 2025.
The object in question, identified as Norad ID 61909/2024-205R, is a significant fragment from a rocket body of unknown mass. According to the agency, the debris could re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere in a projected path that includes parts of Eastern Africa, notably Kenya, in a north-south trajectory from the North Eastern region to the South East towards Tanzania.
The re-entry is predicted to occur around 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, with a margin of error of ±15 hours and 46 minutes. This means the actual re-entry window stretches from 7:29 a.m. on Saturday to 3:01 p.m. on Sunday.
Although the debris is not expected to land within Kenya, the agency has cautioned the public due to the potential risks posed by the object’s large size. “The object could pose a significant risk to life and property along its path owing to its large size,” read the statement in part.
KSA emphasized that they are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with international partners to obtain more accurate predictions regarding the object’s trajectory and potential impact points.
The agency urged calm but advised citizens, particularly those in regions under the predicted path, to remain vigilant and await further updates.
This incident underscores the growing concern about space debris and its potential dangers as space activity increases globally. The Kenya Space Agency reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the public informed on space-related threats as part of its mandate to promote, coordinate, and regulate space activities in the country.
