Alejandro Otero and his family of Naples, Florida, are suing NASA for $80,000 for damages caused by space debris that fell into their home on March 8. 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 his disbelief and gratitude that no one was hurt in the incident, saying, “I was shaking. I was in complete disbelief. What are the chances that something could come at my house with that much force and cause that much damage?” I am very thankful that no one was hurt.
NASA later confirmed that a 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 fragment survived. Landed on the property of the Otero family.
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, had the debris struck a few feet in the other direction, serious injury or death would have resulted.”
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 his disbelief and gratitude that no one was hurt in the incident, saying, “I was shaking. I was in complete disbelief. What are the chances that something could come at my house with that much force and cause that much damage?” I am very thankful that no one was hurt.
NASA later confirmed that a 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 fragment survived. Landed on the property of the Otero family.
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, had the debris struck a few feet in the other direction, serious injury or death would have resulted.”
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.
