THE UK is readying its emergency alert system over fears debris from an out–of–control Chinese rocket could land on the country today.
Experts are closely monitoring China‘s Zhuque-3 rocket, which was launched back in December.
It is expected to crash into the atmosphere sometime this afternoon.
The EU’s Space Surveillance and Tracking (EU SST) Operations Centres said it is “actively monitoring the re-entry”.
Current modelling of the rocket’s path predicts it could pass over Northern Ireland, northern Scotland or northern England.
The Government has asked mobile networks to check that the UK’s emergency alert system is optional in case a warning needs to be issued, The Telegraph reports.
A spokesperson said: “It is extremely unlikely that any debris enters UK airspace.
“As you’d expect, we have well rehearsed plans for a variety of different risks including those related to space, that are tested routinely with partners.”
Zhuque-3 is a two-stage recoverable launch vehicle developed by China’s LandSpace Technology Corporation.
It’s a commercial space launch provider – a little like Elon Musk’s SpaceX – based in Beijing.
The rocket took off as recently as early December from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China.
And while the rocket itself reached orbit, the reusable booster landed back on Earth and exploded.
Emergency Alerts is an official UK Government service that warns Brits if “there’s a danger to life nearby”.
“Examples of situations that may lead to an alert include severe flooding, fires and extreme weather,” the UK Government explains.
During an emergency alert, your phone or tablet might make a loud siren-like sound, even if it’s set on silent.
It may also vibrate and even read out the alert.
“When you get an alert, stop what you are doing and follow the instructions of the alert,” the Government recommends.
“If you are driving, find somewhere safe and legal to stop before reading the message.
“If there is nowhere safe and legal to stop and no one is in the vehicle to read it for you, you can listen to news on live radio to find out about the emergency.”
