Tangentially related: <a href="https://pro.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&ALID=2K7O3RJHCE03" rel="nofollow">https://pro.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&ALID=2K...</a><p>Rocket debris in Kazakhstan. Which I am always looking for reasons to post.
Note that this only applies to low earth orbit. Geosynchronous spacecraft don't re-enter; they instead are retired to the “graveyard”, a supersynch orbit about 500 to 1000 km above GEO.
Reminds me a lot of Skylab debris (mentioned in the article): <a href="http://mentalfloss.com/article/70708/nasas-unpaid-400-littering-ticket-skylab-debris-australia" rel="nofollow">http://mentalfloss.com/article/70708/nasas-unpaid-400-litter...</a>
Wasn't there some speculation about destroying satellites with ground-based high-powered lasers?<p>One could try to blast this thing into multiple smaller pieces, most of which would likely burn up in the atmosphere.<p>If it doesn't work, the failed attempt shouldn't increase the risk for anybody.
Is there a protocol for warning people if an out-of-control satellite crash is imminent in a populated area?<p>Who is responsible for covering damages caused by this satellite?