A NASA satellite is expected to collide with Earth on Tuesday, March 10, after spending nearly 14 years in orbit. The spacecraft in question is the Van Allen Probe A, which weighs about 1,323 pounds (600 kilograms).
It was launched alongside its twin Van Allen Probe B in August 2012 to study the radiation belts that surround Earth. Both probes were deactivated in 2019, but Probe A’s time in orbit has now come to an end. Experts say most of the satellite will burn up when it reenters the atmosphere, although some parts may survive. The risk to people on the ground is low, at about 1 in 4,200 people.The estimated time of reentry, according to the US Space Force, is 7:45 PM EST on March 10, which is 24 hours.
Observers point out that this is just an estimate, and adjustments may occur as tracking data improves. Any remaining pieces will likely fall into the ocean, because water covers approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface. It seems unlikely that any major city will see debris falling nearby.
NASA’s Van Allen satellite is expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere on March 10
Van Allen sensors were initially called radiation belt storm sensors. They orbited the Earth in a highly elliptical path, ranging from about 384 miles (618 km) to 18,900 miles (30,415 km).
The mission was designed to last only two years, but both satellites exceeded expectations. Probe A continued collecting data until October 2019, while Probe B worked until July 2019. Experts say solar activity in recent years has expanded Earth’s atmosphere, increasing frictional drag on satellites.
This likely caused Probe A to land earlier than originally planned.During their years of operation, the Van Allen probes collected data on the radiation belts around the Earth.
Scientists use this information to understand how solar activity affects satellites, astronauts, and even systems on Earth, such as communications networks, GPS, and power grids. By studying these regions, researchers are said to have improved predictions of space weather events, which can sometimes interfere with electronic systems on Earth.
The data also helps plan future missions and better predict risks from solar storms.
NASA details satellite return and debris hazards
NASA indicates that most of the satellite will burn up as it passes through the atmosphere. However, some components may survive. These fragments can be dispersed into the ocean, making their risk to humans very small. Experts estimate the probability of infection at about 0.02 percent. Observers say that although tracking the events is interesting, there is no need to worry. The Space Force will update its reentry predictions in real time, so more precise timing may be closer to the event.
What will happen to the second satellite of NASA’s Van Allen probe?
Probe B is not expected to return to Earth until around 2030. Its descent appeared to be less affected by recent solar activity than Probe A. Both satellites were deactivated but remained in orbit until their return to Earth. They continue to serve as a reference for scientists who study space weather and its effects. Experts say tracking their descent helps improve understanding of orbital decay and atmospheric drag, which is useful for other satellites still in service.
