Heads up! Satellite incoming!

Originally predicted to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in 2034, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) confirmed that the Van Allen Probe A spacecraft re-entered the atmosphere over the eastern Pacific Ocean region at 6:37 am. EDT on Wed, Mar 11.

NASA expected most of the spacecraft to burn up as it traveled through the atmosphere, but some components may have survived re-entry.

Scientists confirmed the sun had reached its solar maximum, triggering intense space weather events which increased atmospheric drag on the spacecraft beyond initial estimates, resulting in the early re-entry. https://www.nasa.gov/missions/van-allen-probes/nasa-van-allen-probe-a-to-re-enter-atmosphere/ #NASA #USSF #VanAllenProbe #Space #SpaceCraft #Re-Entry #Satellite #EarthOrbit #Sun #spaceWeather #Atmosphere