Alejandro Otero and his family from Naples, Florida, have filed a lawsuit against NASA, seeking $80,000 in damages after a piece of space debris hit their home on March 8. The incident happened while Otero and his son were on vacation. informed him about the accident object.
The cylindrical metal object, weighing 1.6 pounds and measuring 4 inches by 1.6 inches, tore through the Otero family home and caused extensive damage. Otero expressed his disbelief and gratitude that no one was hurt in the incident, saying, “I was shaking. I was in complete disbelief. What are the chances of something falling into my house with that much force and causing so much damage,” and “I’m so thankful that no one was hurt.”
NASA later confirmed that the object was a metal stand used to mount old batteries from the space station on a cargo pallet for disposal in 2021. Although the payload was expected to burn up completely upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, a piece survived and landed on the Otero family property.
The family, represented by the Cranfill Sumner law firm, is seeking compensation for uninsured property, business interruption, emotional and mental suffering and the cost of assistance from third-party agencies. Attorney Mica Nguyen Worthy emphasized the seriousness of the space debris issue, saying, “My clients are seeking adequate compensation for the stress and impact this incident has had on their lives,” and “they are grateful that no one was physically injured.” could have been catastrophic, serious injury or death if the debris had gone a few feet in another direction.”
Lyagat also emphasized that the case is intended to set a precedent for space debris claims in both the private and public sectors. NASA has been given six months to respond to the Otero family’s claims.
The cylindrical metal object, weighing 1.6 pounds and measuring 4 inches by 1.6 inches, tore through the Otero family home and caused extensive damage. Otero expressed his disbelief and gratitude that no one was hurt in the incident, saying, “I was shaking. I was in complete disbelief. What are the chances of something falling into my house with that much force and causing so much damage,” and “I’m so thankful that no one was hurt.”
NASA later confirmed that the object was a metal stand used to mount old batteries from the space station on a cargo pallet for disposal in 2021. Although the payload was expected to burn up completely upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, a piece survived and landed on the Otero family property.
The family, represented by the Cranfill Sumner law firm, is seeking compensation for uninsured property, business interruption, emotional and mental suffering and the cost of assistance from third-party agencies. Attorney Mica Nguyen Worthy emphasized the seriousness of the space debris issue, saying, “My clients are seeking adequate compensation for the stress and impact this incident has had on their lives,” and “they are grateful that no one was physically injured.” could have been catastrophic, serious injury or death if the debris had gone a few feet in another direction.”
Lyagat also emphasized that the case is intended to set a precedent for space debris claims in both the private and public sectors. NASA has been given six months to respond to the Otero family’s claims.