Russian Spacecraft 'Out of Control,' May Head Back To Earth

A Russian spacecraft delivering supplies to the International Space Station is out of control and may head back to Earth, according to officials.

The Progress M-27M cargo ship was launched from Kazakhstan on Tuesday but is now out of control.

Reportedly, the spacecraft is orbiting in an uncontrolled spin and was loaded with 3 tons of goods.

"The possibility of the craft linking up with the ISS is now not worth it. The main thing now is to ensure its controlled and safe de-orbiting," said spokesman for mission control.

The space station's one-year crew members, American Scott Kelly and Russian Mikhail Kornienko, told The Associated Press during an interview that flight controllers have given up trying to command the cargo carrier.

"We should be OK," said Kelly, one month into a planned one-year mission, which will be a record for NASA. "The program plans for these kinds of things to happen. They're very unfortunate when they do."

He added: "The important thing is hardware can be replaced."