European Space Agency Satellite ERS-2 Expected to Reenter Earth’s Atmosphere
A European Space Agency (ESA) satellite, known as ERS-2, is set to make its reentry into Earth’s atmosphere on Wednesday morning. The satellite, which has been closely monitored by the agency’s Space Debris Office and an international surveillance network, is predicted to reenter at 3:53 p.m. ET with a 7.5-hour window of uncertainty. The ESA is providing live updates on its website to keep the public informed about the satellite’s progress.
The exact time of reentry remains unclear due to the unpredictable nature of solar activity. Solar activity can affect the density of Earth’s atmosphere and how it interacts with the satellite. As the sun approaches its peak in the 11-year solar cycle, known as solar maximum, solar activity has been increasing. This heightened activity has already impacted the reentry of another ESA satellite, Aeolus, in July 2023.
ERS-2 has an estimated mass of 5,057 pounds (2,294 kilograms) after depleting its fuel. This makes it similar in size to other space debris that reenters Earth’s atmosphere on a weekly basis. When the satellite reaches around 50 miles (80 kilometers) above Earth’s surface, it is expected to break apart, with the majority of the fragments burning up in the atmosphere. The agency assures that any fragments that do reach the planet’s surface will not contain any harmful substances and are likely to fall into the ocean.
The ERS-2 satellite has a rich backstory. It was first launched on April 21, 1995, and was considered the most advanced satellite of its kind developed and launched by Europe at that time. Alongside its twin, ERS-1, the satellite played a crucial role in collecting valuable data on Earth’s polar caps, oceans, and land surfaces. It also observed natural disasters such as flooding and earthquakes in remote areas. The data gathered by ERS-2 continues to be utilized today.
In 2011, the ESA made the decision to end the satellite’s operations and deorbit it to prevent it from becoming additional space debris orbiting the planet. The satellite underwent 66 deorbiting maneuvers in July and August of that year, depleting its fuel and reducing its altitude. This set ERS-2 on a trajectory to gradually spiral closer to Earth over a period of 15 years, eventually leading to its reentry into the atmosphere.
Despite concerns about space debris, the ESA assures the public that the chances of an individual being injured by such debris are extremely low. The risk is less than 1 in 100 billion per year, which is approximately 1.5 million times lower than the risk of being killed in an accident at home.
As we await the reentry of the ERS-2 satellite, scientists and space enthusiasts around the world are eagerly monitoring its progress. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible space exploration and the need to manage space debris effectively. The data collected by ERS-2 has been invaluable in understanding our planet, and its legacy will continue to contribute to scientific advancements for years to come.