FLORIDA'S CAPE CANAVERAL (AP) — A 38-year-old NASA satellite that has been retired is poised to hit the ground.

According to NASA, the likelihood of wreckage falling on someone is "extremely low."

Upon reentry, the majority of the 2,450 kilogramme (5,400 pound) satellite would burn up, according to NASA. However, certain parts are anticipated to endure.

According to the space agency, there is a 1-in-9,400 chance of being hurt by falling debris.

The Defense Department predicts that the science satellite will come down Sunday night, give or take 17 hours.

The California-based Aerospace Corp., on the other hand, is aiming for Monday morning, give or take 13 hours, while flying over Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the westernmost parts of North and South America.

On board the space shuttle Challenger, the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite, or ERBS, was launched in 1984.

The satellite continued to measure ozone and other atmospheric variables despite having a two-year anticipated operating life. It was retired in 2005.

The satellite observed how the planet's surface radiated and absorbed solar radiation.