Heads up! European Satellite ERS-2 Set to Plummet to Earth in Coming Weeks
In a matter of weeks, a massive defunct satellite called the European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS-2) is expected to make a dramatic reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere. Launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 1995, the satellite has been decommissioned for over a decade and has exhausted its fuel reserves. Despite this, the ERS-2 still weighs over 5,000 pounds, posing a potential threat if it were to crash into a populated area.
However, the ESA assures the public that the risk of being injured by space debris is extremely low. In fact, according to the ESA’s FAQ, “the annual risk of an individual human being injured by space debris is under 1 in 100 billion.” To put it into perspective, you are more likely to be struck by lightning than be hit by falling space debris.
While the ERS-2 is not the largest object to make an uncontrolled descent from orbit, it is still a cause for concern. China’s Long March 5B rocket’s core stage, weighing a staggering 23 tons, crashed back to Earth just a week after liftoff in 2022. NASA officials have criticized China for its reckless practices of allowing massive rocket parts to descend unassisted.
The risks associated with uncontrolled reentries are particularly concerning when it comes to recently-launched rocket boosters. In a recent incident, videos circulated on social media showing rocket boosters from a Chinese Long March 3B rocket tumbling uncontrollably towards an inhabited area, resulting in massive fireballs. These incidents highlight the potential dangers of space debris falling onto populated regions.
Determining where the ERS-2 satellite will land is currently impossible. The ESA tracks its orbital altitude as it decays but states that due to the “natural” reentry, it is impossible to predict the exact time and location of the satellite’s burn-up. Despite the imminent descent, it is worth noting that the ERS-2 has played a crucial role in collecting data on Earth’s changing climate, including polar ice, land surfaces, sea-level rise, warming oceans, and atmospheric chemistry. It has also assisted in disaster response efforts.
While an uncontrolled descent may seem reckless, it is still a preferable outcome compared to the satellite posing a threat to future space explorers. The issue of space debris is a growing concern as our planet’s orbit becomes increasingly cluttered. With more rockets being launched and satellites being decommissioned, the problem is only expected to worsen.
In conclusion, the impending reentry of the ERS-2 satellite serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by space debris. While the risk to individuals on Earth is minimal, efforts must be made to address the growing issue of space junk to ensure the safety of future space missions.