Naples, Florida – A family from Naples, Florida, is taking legal action against Nasa after a piece of space debris crashed into their home, causing significant damage. Alejandro Otero and his family are seeking $80,000 in compensation for the damages resulting from the incident that occurred while Otero was away on vacation.
The cylindrical metal object, weighing 1.6lb and measuring 4in by 1.6in, pierced through their home, narrowly missing injuring anyone. Otero expressed his shock and relief that no one was harmed in the incident, stating, “I was shaking. I was completely in disbelief. What are the chances of something landing on my house with such force to cause so much damage?”
Nasa confirmed that the object was a piece of metal support used to mount old batteries on a cargo pallet for disposal, jettisoned from the space station in 2021. Despite expectations that the entire load would burn up upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, a piece survived and ended up crashing onto the Otero family’s property.
Represented by the law firm Cranfill Sumner, the family is seeking compensation for uninsured property damages, business interruption, emotional distress, and the costs associated with seeking assistance from third-party agencies. Attorney Mica Nguyen Worthy emphasized the significance of the space debris issue, stressing the need for adequate compensation to account for the impact the event had on their lives.
The lawsuit aims to set a precedent for future claims related to space debris in both private and public sectors. Nasa has been given six months to respond to the claims filed by the Otero family, who are hopeful for a resolution that addresses the damages and stresses caused by the unexpected and potentially dangerous incident.