The Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation explorer, European satellite to map earth gravity in unprecedented detail will fall back to earth after running out of fuel( propellant), but the big problem is when or where it pieces might land. No one knows. A total of about 25 to 45 debris of the 1100kg spacecraft are expected to land planet earth.
The satellite now fly like an airplane, with help by gravity and air friction. Quite literally GOCE is now nearly flying like an airplane without an engine, with the upper layer of the atmosphere providing aerodynamic stabilization.
But there is good news. Before the satellite makes its way down to earth, most of its fragments should burn up, which means only a few piece might come down near you.
Make a donation to keep the blog running, please