A retired NASA spacecraft is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere today, drawing attention from scientists and the public alike. The satellite, known as the Van Allen Probe A, has been orbiting the planet for nearly 14 years.
Launched in 2012, the probe was part of a mission designed to study the planet’s radiation belts, helping scientists better understand space weather and how it affects satellites and communications systems on Earth.
After completing its mission and running out of fuel, the spacecraft’s orbit gradually began to decay. Increased solar activity expanded Earth’s atmosphere slightly, creating drag that slowly pulled the satellite closer to the planet.
Experts say the satellite weighs around 1,300 pounds (about 600 kilograms) and is expected to make an uncontrolled reentry around Tuesday evening, although the exact time could vary by about 24 hours.
Most of the spacecraft is expected to burn up during the intense heat of reentry. However, some small pieces could survive and fall back to Earth, which is why the event has sparked safety discussions.
Despite the dramatic headlines, NASA says the risk to the public is extremely low. Officials estimate the chance of someone being harmed by debris is roughly 1 in 4,200, far lower than many everyday risks.
Because about 71% of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans, most surviving fragments would likely land in water or remote areas. Space agencies around the world are closely tracking the satellite’s descent.
Even though events like this are relatively rare, they highlight the growing challenge of managing aging satellites and space debris orbiting the planet.
