NASA satellite expected to crash Friday

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A dead 6-ton satellite is getting closer and closer, and is expected to smack down on Earth today.

NASA's old research satellite is expected to come crashing down through the atmosphere in the afternoon, Eastern Time. The craft will not be passing over North America then, the space agency said .

The predictions should become more precise as the hours pass.

With nearly three-quarters of the world covered with water, NASA is anticipating a splashdown. Aerospace Corp. in California, in fact, predicts that re-entry will occur over the Pacific late in the afternoon, Eastern Time. But that's give or take 14 hours.

The 20-year-old Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite will be the biggest NASA spacecraft to fall uncontrolled from the sky in 32 years. An estimated 26 pieces -- representing 1,200 pounds -- are expected to survive. It is expected to break into more than 100 pieces as it enters the atmosphere, most of it burning up. -- AP