Pioneering European Satellite ERS-2 Set to Plummet to Earth
In a dramatic event set to unfold in the coming hours, the pioneering European satellite, ERS-2, is expected to make an uncontrolled descent to Earth. Launched in 1995, ERS-2 revolutionized observation technology and paved the way for modern-day monitoring of the planet. Although most of the two-tonne satellite will burn up upon re-entry into the atmosphere, there is a possibility that some fragments may survive the intense heat and reach the surface. However, the chances of these fragments causing damage are slim, as they are likely to land in uninhabited areas or be lost at sea.
ERS-2 was part of a pair of near-identical Earth Remote Sensing (ERS) satellites launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) in the 1990s. These satellites were at the forefront of planetary observation, equipped with advanced instruments to track changes on land, in the oceans, and in the atmosphere. They played a crucial role in monitoring floods, measuring temperatures, tracking ice fields, and even assessing Earth’s protective ozone layer.
Dr. Ralph Cordey, Airbus Earth observation business development manager, described the ERS satellites as the “grandfathers of Earth observation in Europe.” He emphasized their technological significance and how they laid the foundation for Europe’s current Copernicus/Sentinel satellites, which continue to monitor the planet today.
ERS-2 is the first of the duo to return home. After exhausting its fuel reserves in 2011, engineers lowered its altitude from 780km to 570km with the expectation that atmospheric drag would eventually lead to its destruction within 15 years. This prediction will be realized on Wednesday evening, GMT. The exact time and location of re-entry are uncertain and depend on factors such as solar activity and atmospheric density. However, it is certain that the re-entry will occur between 82 degrees North and South, which was the extent of the satellite’s orbit.
While most of ERS-2’s mass is expected to burn up during re-entry, some fragments may survive and impact the Earth’s surface. These fragments could include internal panelling, metal parts like fuel and pressure tanks, and potentially the antenna for the synthetic aperture radar system, which was constructed in the UK. It is worth noting that none of these fragments are radioactive or toxic, ensuring minimal risk to human health and the environment.
The disposal of redundant satellites has become a pressing issue due to the increasing number of satellites in orbit and the potential for collisions. ERS-1, the twin satellite to ERS-2, failed before engineers could lower its altitude, leaving it more than 700km above the Earth. To address this concern, the European Space Agency’s new Zero Debris Charter recommends a disposal grace period of no more than five years. Future satellites will be equipped with the necessary fuel and capability to de-orbit themselves promptly.
SpaceX, an American company that operates a significant number of functional satellites in orbit, recently announced plans to bring down 100 satellites due to a discovered fault that could increase the probability of failure in the future. This proactive approach highlights the importance of removing redundant orbital hardware to prevent further accumulation of space debris.
The Secure World Foundation and LeoLabs, two organizations advocating for the sustainable use of space, have also emphasized the need to address the issue of space debris. They warn that clusters of uncontrollable objects left in orbit pose a significant threat to newly deployed satellites, which are crucial for the global space economy.
As ERS-2 prepares for its final descent, it serves as a reminder of the pioneering advancements made in Earth observation technology. While its journey comes to an end, its legacy lives on in the satellites that continue to monitor and protect our planet.