A family in Naples, Florida, is suing NASA for $80,000 in damages after their home was hit by space debris that fell to Earth and punched a hole in the roof.
In a press release, the legal firm Cranfill Sumner stated that it had filed a claim on plaintiff Alejandro Otero's and his family's behalf.
On March 8, 2024, while their son Daniel was at home, a metallic cylinder slab from a cargo pallet that had been released by the International Space Station in 2021 struck the Otero family's house. It left a hole in the floor and roof, but no one was hurt.
.jpg)
Debri left a mark on the roof | Instagram
A Shocking Discovery
Alejandro Otero was on vacation when his son called him with the unbelievable news. A cylindrical object had ripped through their roof and floor, causing significant damage. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the incident. The object was retrieved and sent to the Kennedy Space Center for analysis. NASA confirmed in April that it was a metal component used to hold old batteries on a disposal pallet.
.jpg)
Debri left a mark on the ceiling | Instagram
This pallet was jettisoned from the International Space Station in 2021. While most of the pallet was expected to burn up during re-entry, this particular piece remained intact.
Seeking Compensation
The Otero family, through their law firm, Cranfill Sumner, filed a claim against NASA to recover damages. These damages include repairs to their home, any business interruptions caused by the incident, emotional distress, and the cost of hiring outside help to deal with the situation.
In their lawsuit against NASA, the Oteros seek damages for non-insured property, business interruption, mental and emotional distress, and the price of outside agencies' assistance.
“My clients are seeking adequate compensation to account for the stress and impact that this event had on their lives,” the Otero family’s attorney, Mica Nguyen Worthy, said in a statement. “They are grateful that no one sustained physical injuries from this incident, but a ‘near miss’ situation such as this could have been catastrophic. If the debris had hit a few feet in another direction, there could have been serious injury or a fatality.” according to a report by The Guardian
.jpg)
Debri left a mark on the floor | Instagram
Attorney Mica Nguyen Worthy, representing the Otero family, highlighted the growing problem of space debris due to increased space activity. She emphasized the importance of this case, stating it could set a legal precedent for future claims involving space debris damage.Worthy noted the family's relief that no one was physically injured.
However, she stressed the potential severity of the situation. A slightly different trajectory of the debris could have resulted in serious injury or even death.The lawsuit also aims to encourage better practices for dealing with space debris in the future, hoping to prevent similar incidents.
NASA has six months to respond to the claim. This case will be closely watched to see how the legal system addresses the issue of space debris and the potential liability of space agencies.
