European Satellite ERS-2 to Plunge Through Earth’s Atmosphere After 30 Years in Orbit
After nearly three decades in orbit, the pioneering European satellite ERS-2 is set to make its final descent through Earth’s atmosphere. This uncontrolled satellite will break up into pieces upon re-entry, with most of them burning up upon contact. The satellite’s re-entry is expected to be “natural,” meaning that predicting the exact timing and location is challenging.
According to the European Space Agency (ESA), the satellite is projected to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere at 3.49 pm on Wednesday. At that time, it is anticipated to be over the Pacific Ocean. However, due to an uncertainty window of over three hours, there is a possibility that it may be at a different point in its orbit when it begins to burn up.
Launched in 1995, ERS-2 was hailed as Europe’s most advanced Earth-observation spacecraft at the time. It played a pivotal role in revolutionizing our understanding of the climate crisis. Mirko Albani, the head of the ESA’s heritage space program, stated, “It provided us with new insights on our planet, the chemistry of our atmosphere, the behavior of our oceans, and the effects of humankind’s activity on our environment.”
After its retirement in 2011, the ESA decided to “deorbit” ERS-2 to minimize the risk of collision with other space probes. In preparation for its final descent, the ESA released striking photos of the satellite hurtling towards the atmosphere. These images were captured between January 14 and February 3 when ERS-2 was still at an altitude of over 300km (186 miles).
The satellite has been descending at a rate of more than 10km (6 miles) per day, with its descent speed rapidly increasing. Once it reaches approximately 80km, it will begin to break apart and subsequently burn up. However, the precise timing remains uncertain due to unpredictable atmospheric conditions that can affect the satellite’s drag. Additionally, the direction in which the tumbling satellite is facing will influence its trajectory.
The ESA assures that the risks associated with satellite re-entries are minimal. Furthermore, they emphasize that none of the elements expected to re-enter the atmosphere are radioactive or toxic. Mirko Albani affirms, “It’s worth highlighting that none of the elements that might re-enter the atmosphere are radioactive or toxic.”
Dr. James Blake from the Centre for Space Domain Awareness at the University of Warwick explains that ERS-2 is just one example of the fate that awaits uncontrolled satellites and debris that can no longer withstand the drag forces exerted by the Earth’s atmosphere. He adds, “Operators are encouraged to speed up the re-entry of their defunct satellites to keep space clear for future missions.”
As ERS-2 embarks on its final journey, it leaves behind a legacy of invaluable contributions to our understanding of Earth and its delicate ecosystems. Its groundbreaking observations have paved the way for future missions and advancements in space exploration. While its re-entry may mark the end of an era, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible space debris management to ensure the safety and sustainability of our cosmic endeavors.