There was no immediate and solid evidence to determine where the German ROSAT x-ray observatory re-entered the atmosphere and where, if any, parts could have survived the heat before impact.

According to estimates made last week by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), as many as 30 individual fragments of debris weighing up to several kilograms could survive the re-entry process and not burn up in the atmosphere.

No debris or damage reported

Scientists were no longer able to communicate with the nearly two-ton satellite in the final 30 minutes before entering the atmosphere.

Hours before re-entry, scientists said the satellite was not expected to crash over Europe, Africa or Australia, but that China could possibly be in the trajectory.

However, there have been no reports that debris has hit populated areas, but a spokesman for the DLR said it could be days before details are known.

Only a month ago, a six-ton US satellite crashed to Earth, scattering some debris over northern Canada.

Author: Gregg Benzow (dpa, AP, AFP)
Editor: Andreas Illmer