The Kenya Space Agency has issued a public advisory over the potential re-entry of space debris across Kenyan airspace this weekend.
The object, identified as NORAD ID 61909/2024-205R, is believed to be a large fragment from a rocket body launched in late 2024. Authorities say the debris could pose a risk to life and property due to its size, though it is not expected to make landfall in Kenya.
The re-entry is predicted to occur at around 11:15pm local time on Saturday 19 April, with a wide margin of error of nearly 16 hours. This places the potential event between 7:29am on Saturday and 3:01pm on Sunday.
The projected path of the debris is expected to follow a north-to-south trajectory, passing over parts of eastern Africa, including Kenya, before continuing southward toward Tanzania.
The Kenya Space Agency has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any unusual objects seen falling from the sky during the stated period. Reports should be made to the nearest police station, government administrative office or military camp.
The alert comes just months after a previous encounter with space debris in December 2024, when a large metallic object fell into Mukuku village in Makueni County. The object, believed to be a rocket separation ring, landed without causing injuries but sparked fresh concerns over the risks posed by uncontrolled re-entries.
The agency is working with international partners to refine predictions and continues to monitor the situation closely. Public awareness, it says, remains crucial in ensuring safety during such events.
