Alejandro Otero and his family of Naples, Florida, filed a lawsuit against NASA on March 8 seeking $80,000 in damages for damage caused by space debris that fell into their home. The incident occurred while Otero and his son were on vacation. Informed him about the accident material.
The cylindrical metal object, weighing 1.6lb and measuring 4in x 1.6in, tore through the Otero family’s home, causing significant damage. Otero expressed her disbelief and gratitude that no one was hurt in the incident, saying, “I’m shaking. I’m in total disbelief. What are the chances that something could come at my house with that much force and cause that much damage,” and “I’m just so thankful that no one was hurt.”
NASA later confirmed that the cargo pallet removed from the space station in 2021 was a metal accessory used to load old batteries. Although the payload was expected to burn up completely upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, one piece survived and landed on the Otero family’s property.
The family, represented by law firm Cranfield Sumner, is seeking compensation for uninsured property, business interruption, emotional and mental anguish and the cost of third-party agencies’ assistance. Attorney Mica Nguyen Worthy emphasized the seriousness of the space debris issue, saying, “My clients are seeking adequate compensation for the stress and impact this incident has had on their lives,” and “they are grateful that no one was injured. This incident, but a ‘near miss’ situation like this is devastating.” Could have caused serious injury or death if the debris had hit a few feet in the other direction.
Worthy also highlighted that the case aims to set a precedent for space debris claims in the private and public sectors. NASA has been given six months to respond to the claims filed by the Otero family.
The cylindrical metal object, weighing 1.6lb and measuring 4in x 1.6in, tore through the Otero family’s home, causing significant damage. Otero expressed her disbelief and gratitude that no one was hurt in the incident, saying, “I’m shaking. I’m in total disbelief. What are the chances that something could come at my house with that much force and cause that much damage,” and “I’m just so thankful that no one was hurt.”
NASA later confirmed that the cargo pallet removed from the space station in 2021 was a metal accessory used to load old batteries. Although the payload was expected to burn up completely upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, one piece survived and landed on the Otero family’s property.
The family, represented by law firm Cranfield Sumner, is seeking compensation for uninsured property, business interruption, emotional and mental anguish and the cost of third-party agencies’ assistance. Attorney Mica Nguyen Worthy emphasized the seriousness of the space debris issue, saying, “My clients are seeking adequate compensation for the stress and impact this incident has had on their lives,” and “they are grateful that no one was injured. This incident, but a ‘near miss’ situation like this is devastating.” Could have caused serious injury or death if the debris had hit a few feet in the other direction.
Worthy also highlighted that the case aims to set a precedent for space debris claims in the private and public sectors. NASA has been given six months to respond to the claims filed by the Otero family.
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