Emergency Management Australia Update on Re-entry of Russian Mir Space Station 03-16-2001

Emergency Management Australia (EMA)
Dickson, Australian Capital Territory

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Brian Flanagan

EMA Media Liaison

Mobile: 0409 489 344

On current indications from the Russian authorities, the Mir Space Station
is predicted to spashdown in the Pacific Ocean, midway between New Zealand
and Chile, around 21-22 March 2001.

Any variation to that date may result from the effect of solar winds or
atmospheric conditions.

Mir’s current altitude is about 238.5km. It is continuing in free flight
and losing altitude at an average of around 2.4km per day. While this
rate of descent continues to vary, it will tend to increase as Mir gets
lower.

Mir will be brought back into the atmosphere with a series of three
controlled braking impulses after the station reaches an altitude of
220km. The entire process is expected to be completed in about six hours.

NASA and ESA are following the flight of Mir and information gathered is
being passed to Russian Mission Control.

Two officers from the Australian Embassy in Moscow will be in the Space
Centre during re-entry and will provide real-time information to EMA on
the progress of the operation.

EMA will continue to issue updates on the re-entry process and will advise
arrangements being put in place for briefings around 21-22 March.