US Air Force flight aborts Antarctic mission, returns to Christchurch over space debris concerns
A US military aircraft heading to Antarctica turned back to Christchurch after less than 2.5 hours in the air due to a Russian space activity warning.
A US Air Force C-17 flight bound for Antarctica took off from Christchurch but turned back after approximately two hours and 27 minutes in the air. Russia had notified aviation authorities of potentially hazardous space activity, including a planned missile launch, prompting the mid-air diversion. Foreign Minister Winston Peters subsequently sought clarification from Russia regarding the warning.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
Stuff
Mystery as US Air Force flight aborts Antarctic trip, returns to NZ
It headed south but turned around and returned to Christchurch after just under two-and-a-half hours in the air.
NZ Herald
US Air Force Antarctica flight turns back to Christchurch after 2.5 hours
Flight ICE28 was airborne for two hours and 27 minutes before landing.
Newstalk ZB
US Air Force Antarctica flight turns back to Christchurch after 2.5 hours
A United States Air Force flight bound for Antarctica has turned back to Christchurch less than 2.5 hours after taking off.
Stuff
US Antarctic flight forced back over feared Russian space junk hazard
Former Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says a Russian satellite likely caused the mid-air u-turn for a US military plane
NZ Herald
Wayne Mapp says Russian space debris likely forced US Air Force Anarctica flight to return to NZ
Russia had notified the CAA of 'potentially hazardous' space activity beforehand.
Otago Daily Times
US Air Force C-17 turns back to Christchurch due to planned Russian missile launch
Newstalk ZB
Winston Peters asks Russia about missile warning after US Antarctic flight turns back
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has asked Russia for more information after a warning about a planned missile launch scotched a US Air Force (USAF) flight from New Zealand to Antarctica.