Bits Of Russian Space Probe To Fall To Earth On January 15

The unmanned, $165-million Phobos-Grunt probe, seen here at the Baikonur launch facility in mid-October, was launched on November 9.

Russian officials say fragments of a failed space probe are expected to fall to Earth in 11 days.

The unmanned, $165-million Phobos-Grunt probe was launched on November 9.

It was to travel to Mars' moon Phobos and bring back soil samples but failed to leave Earth's orbit.

Russian space officials previously expected it to crash down in February.

But a spokesman for Russia's space defense forces now says fragments that do not burn up in the atmosphere are expected to fall to Earth on January 15.

compiled from agency reports