The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has cautioned the public of the potential re-entry of space debris over Kenya and the broader Eastern African region between April 19th and 20th, 2025.
According to a statement from KSA, the space object identified as Norad ID 61909/2024-205R, is a significant piece of debris from a rocket body of unknown mass.
KSA noted that the projected flight trajectory is of particular interest to Kenya, as it follows a North-South path from the North Eastern region, across Kenya, towards Tanzania, and further southward.
“The Kenya Space Agency wishes to notify members of the general public of a potential re-entry of a space object Norad ID 61909/2024-205R which is a significant debris from a rocket body of unknown mass. The object is of particular interest to Kenya as the projected flight trajectory is over the eastern African region including Kenya in a North-South path from the North Eastern region to the South East of Kenya towards Tanzania and further southward.” Read the statement.
Adding that: “The re-entry is predicted to occur on Saturday 19 April 2025 at around 11:15 pm +/- 15 hrs 46 mins. This means the re-entry through the earth’s atmosphere could occur within the window from Saturday 19 April 2025, 7:29 am to Sunday 20 April 2025, 3:01 pm.”
The KSA has also warned that the object’s large size could pose a significant risk to life and property along its path. While current predictions suggest the debris is not expected to fall in Kenya, the agency is urging vigilance as a precautionary measure.
“The object could pose a significant risk to life and property along its path owing to its large size. The Kenya Space Agency is working with partners to obtain more precise prediction of the flight path and timeline. 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.” KSA stated.
Further KSA urged citizens to report promptly 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 Kenya Space Agency is a State Corporation established with the mandate to promote, coordinate and regulate space-related activities in Kenya including provision of advisories in the public interest on space situational awareness.
