US admits: 7 military satellites may explode on orbit

AP Photo

The US military authorities note, that seven orbiting meteorological satellites may explode, as DMSP-F13 did on February, 3.

The 13^th Defense Meteorological Satellite Program exploded leaving a debris field of at least 43 to 100 large fragments and more than 50,000 pieces smaller than 1 millimeter.

The United States Air Force claimed, that 6 satellites similar to DMSP-F13 are subject to threat of an explosion, though only one of them is in full operation.

The US Air Force also note, that a short circuit in battery-charging system should have caused DMSP-F13 collapse.

The satellites that are currently on orbit, are equipped with the same batteries.

Also read: Debris of US satellite to fall down on Earth Friday

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