Canada is asking Russia for more information about a rocket stage that is expected to splash down this weekend in environmentally sensitive Arctic waters.
Global Affairs Canada spokesman Austin Jean says Ottawa wants to know why it wasn't told in advance of the launch, which came to light through a notification from an international aviation agency.
Austin says the government has also told Russia it expects every effort to be made to keep space debris off Canadian lands or waters.
He says the highly toxic rocket fuel is expected to burn up on re-entry.
The rocket stage is expected to come down in an area known to be a hot spot for a wide variety of animals, including whales and polar bears, as well as millions of seabirds.
