Naples, Florida – A family in Naples, Florida is seeking $80,000 in compensation from NASA after their home was struck by debris that fell from outer space, puncturing a hole in their roof. The incident occurred on March 8, 2024, when a metallic cylinder slab from a cargo pallet released by the International Space Station in 2021 crashed into their home.
The debris, which originated from NASA’s flight support equipment, did not disintegrate upon entering Earth’s atmosphere as expected, leading to the damage caused to the Otero family’s residence. Fortunately, no one was injured in the event, although it did create significant structural damage.
Alejandro Otero, the plaintiff in the case, recounted how the object narrowly missed his son, who was present in a nearby room when the debris struck their home. Following the incident, the Otero family, represented by law firm Cranfill Sumner, filed a claim against NASA, citing damages for non-insured property, business interruption, emotional distress, and the costs associated with seeking assistance from external agencies.
In response to the claim, NASA revealed that the metal cylinder weighed 1.6 pounds and measured approximately 4 inches by 1.6 inches. The agency has six months to provide a formal response to the family’s request for compensation, which their attorney, Mica Nguyen Worthy, emphasized was necessary to address the stress and impact caused by the near miss.
Worthy highlighted the importance of setting a precedent for future space debris claims in both the private and public sectors. The case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by space debris and the need for accountability in these situations. As the Otero family awaits NASA’s response, their pursuit of justice continues amid the aftermath of this unexpected and potentially catastrophic event.