Russia Lines Up Insurance Policy for Mir Descent
After months of shrugging off foreigners’ protests that the Mir space station could come crashing down on a populated area, Russian officials said Tuesday that they are negotiating a $200-million insurance policy against any damage the orbiter could cause when it plunges to Earth this month.
Mir set several records during its 15 years in space, but its history of accidents has fed speculation that something could go wrong with plans for a controlled disposal.
“The insurance is just another attempt to assuage fears,” Russian Space Agency spokesman Sergei A. Gorbunov said during an Internet news conference.
He said the three Russian insurance companies expected to share in covering the risk have “nothing to fear” because Mir’s reentry would be safe. Mir will most likely be brought down between March 18 and March 20, Gorbunov said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
