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Chinese Carrier Rocket Streaks Across Central Florida, Crashes Near the Maldives

By  //  May 9, 2021

40,000 lbs rocket was traveling at 18,000mph

An out-of-control Chinese rocket plunged out of orbit Saturday night and reentered Earth’s atmosphere near the Maldives, according to China’s space agency. The rocket briefly passed through central Florida, streaking across the night sky. (Xinhua image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – A 10-story-tall, out-of-control Chinese rocket traveling fell out of orbit Saturday night briefly passing by central Florida moments before its final descent into the Maldives.

The 23-ton Long March 5B carrier rocket was traveling at 18,000 miles per hour.

The estimated landing area of the object was approximately 72.47°E longitude and 2.65°N latitude, just west of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, according to China’s National Space Agency.

Less than an hour before it fell out of orbit, the carrier rocket streaked across Florida, starting in Tampa and ending in north Brevard County.

An out-of-control Chinese rocket plunged out of orbit Saturday night and reentered Earth’s atmosphere near the Maldives, according to China’s space agency. The rocket briefly passed through central Florida, streaking across the night sky. (Celestrak image)

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