Mastodawn

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

Ars Technica News Mar 10

NASA approved a safety waiver for this week's reentry of Van Allen Probe https://arstechni.ca/5sMN #VanAllenbelts #vanallenprobe #spacedebris #reentry #Space #NASA

Reentry of NASA satellite will exceed the agency's own risk guidelines

Due to late-stage design changes, the potential risk of uncontrolled reentry increased."

Ars Technica

Mathrubhumi English Mar 10

NASA’s 1,300-pound Van Allen Probe A is set to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere on March 10, 2026. The probe, which studied Earth’s radiation belts for seven years, is expected to mostly burn up, with minimal risk to humans. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/technology/science/watch-out-1-300-pound-nasa-satellite-to-crash-to-earth-in-coming-hours-hefe2qde?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #NASASatellite #VanAllenProbe #SatelliteCrash #SpaceNews