The “death warrant” for the Mir space station has finally been signed, a
Russian space agency spokesman announced last week. Russia’s Prime Minister,
Mikhail Kasyanov, signed a resolution on 30 December 2000 that formalised a
decision made by the government in November to decommission Mir due to a lack of
funding. Mir is expected to crash to Earth at the end of next month—just
over 15 years after the launch of its core module. The station will disintegrate
as it re-enters the atmosphere, and fragments of wreckage should either burn up
or splash down in the Pacific Ocean.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Physics
Record-breaking, fast-spinning magnet could help uncover new physics
News
Environment
An unexpected feedback loop may be driving mega heatwaves
News
91ɫÇéƬ
Less than 4 minutes of vigorous exercise a day could halve your dementia risk
News
91ɫÇéƬ
Parkinson’s may be driven by ‘vicious cycle’ that disrupts brain waste drainage
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles