Space agency hunts for Mir re-entry insurance

The Russian Space Agency is hunting for insurance in case this month's Mir re-entry goes wrong.

It is looking for cover in case debris from the space station causes damage to a third party outside Russia's borders.

Concern has been mounting in Japan that debris from the crippled space station will hit land, as it is the nearest large country to the Pacific Ocean target.

Without insurance the Russian government would be responsible for any damage.

The amount of cover being sought hasn't been revealed but the Itar-Tass news agency has estimated that US$600 million, about £400 million, would be needed.

The amount Mir is likely to be insured for is a lot less though because the Russian Space Agency has an insurance budget of US$1.5 million, around £1 million, for the re-entry.