NASA allegedly closed access to data on asteroid 2025 US6 after a mysterious technical glitch
Russian scientists from the Institute of Space Research (ISR RAS) say NASA may have closed access to information about asteroid 2025 US6 because of a technical error. The claim comes from Natan Eismont, a researcher at the institute, who called the move highly unusual. The report, cited by TASS, leaves questions about why data on a near-Earth object would suddenly be gated to researchers. If true, this would mark one of the rare occasions where access to such data is restricted.
In This Article:
- NASA data access restricted to 2025 US6 due to suspected technical glitch, according to ISA RAS scientist
- Bright Moscow trail identified as spacecraft debris, not a meteor
- Observers had seen movement near Earth's orbit; latest assessment finds no danger
- Why this matters: data transparency and the peculiar rarity of restricted space information
NASA data access restricted to 2025 US6 due to suspected technical glitch, according to ISA RAS scientist
According to the Institute, Americans restricted access to the asteroid’s trajectory and other parameters. Natan Eismont stresses that such restrictions are extraordinarily rare and says NASA personnel are already working to fix the issue. The claim is reported by Russian outlets and cited in the article; independent verification from NASA is not provided here.
Bright Moscow trail identified as spacecraft debris, not a meteor
The bright trail observed in the Moscow region was not a meteorite but debris from a spacecraft, according to Eismont. He notes the object was larger than 1.5 meters and displayed flame colors consistent with nickel, pointing to a man-made origin burning up in Earth’s atmosphere. Astronomers had previously reported movement of a large body near Earth’s orbit; current assessments, however, suggest it did not pose a threat to people or infrastructure.
Observers had seen movement near Earth's orbit; latest assessment finds no danger
Earlier observations suggested a sizable object moving close to Earth’s orbit. The latest expert assessments, however, indicate that the object did not represent a danger to people or infrastructure, and its behavior does not change that conclusion.
Why this matters: data transparency and the peculiar rarity of restricted space information
The episode highlights how sensitive space data can feel when access is restricted between nations. The Institute’s spokesperson emphasizes that NASA is working to fix the data access issue, but the incident underscores the broader question of transparency in space data sharing. Experts say the situation is unusual and warrants careful scrutiny of how such information is managed across borders.
