The U.S. government said that they could shoot down China's Long March 5. However, they confirmed that they refuse to do this, even though the rocket's debris could hit the Earth's surface sooner than expected.  

"We have the capability to do a lot of things, but we don't have a plan to shoot it down as we speak," said Austin Lloyd, the U.S. defense secretary, during an interview on Thursday, May 6. 

Although Pentagon experts claimed that the uncontrolled Long March 5B rocket's debris could crash this coming May 8 or May 9, they haven't figured out yet the exact time and date of the Chinese rocket's crash. 

"We're hopeful that it will land in a place where it won't harm anyone. Hopefully in the ocean, or someplace like that," added Lloyd. 

Why the US refuses to shoot down Long on March 5? 

According to The Sun's latest report, the Chinese spacecraft has a high chance to land in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. However, experts said that it will crash in this area once it passes over eastern U.S. cities. 

Also Read: NASA Photos Show 'Mushroom' Fungus Growing on Rocks in the Red Planet-Is There Life on Mars?

The United States Space Command confirmed this information. On the other hand, space scientists said that since China's Long March 5 is at roughly 30 meters or 100 feet, the boost stage could be one of the largest space debris to crash back to Earth. 

On Apr. 29, China launched its Long March 5B rocket, the first element of the Asian country's upcoming space station. As of the moment, various space agencies are now tracking this spaceship. 

Since the debris of China's rocket will fall in an uncontrolled manner, some experts are now criticizing the Asian country since it didn't steer the rocket to a safe crash zone. 

Because of this, Austin said that space organizations should be required to make efforts so that they can control their rockets into a safe deorbit after their launches.  

When Will Long March 5 Crash Back to Earth? 

Engadget reported that the U.S. government-funded Aerospace Corporation, the agency that has been tracking and observing the Chinese space rocket, claimed that Long March 5 will arrive at exactly 3:43 UTC (11:43 p.m. ET) on May 9. 

However, Aerospace Corporation added that this alleged crash date is still subject to change. If you want to know more details, all you need to do is click this link

For more news updates about China's Long March 5 and its upcoming crash, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.  

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Written by: Griffin Davis

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