The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing for the reentry and destruction of its ERS-2 satellite in Earth’s atmosphere this morning, an event that closes a chapter in the history of observing Earth from space. The satellite, which was part of an international observation network and monitored by ESA’s Space Debris Office, is expected to re-enter the atmosphere at 6:14 a.m. ET (12:14 p.m. in Spain), although there is a window of uncertainty. . This is the “natural” re-entry of a satellite into the atmosphere, which occurs without room for maneuver
leaves open the question of where and when exactly it will begin to decay in the atmosphere; this process is influenced by the unpredictability of solar activity and its effect on the density of the atmosphere.EPC-2, launched in 1995, was at that time most advanced earth observation satellite developed by Europe. During its operation, it collected critical data on the polar ice caps, oceans and land surfaces, and monitored natural disasters in remote areas. These data continue to be very useful to the scientific community. In 2011, ESA decided to cease its activities and remove it from orbit.
to avoid exacerbating the growing space debris problem. After completing 66 deorbit maneuvers, the ERS-2 mission was officially completed, beginning the slow descent toward Earth that would culminate Wednesday.The chance of injury is less than 1 in 100 billion.
Upon reaching an altitude of 80 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, ERS-2, with an estimated mass of 5,057 pounds, is expected to disintegrate after running out of fuel, with most of its fragments burning up in the atmosphere. Although some parts will likely survive and reach Earth.they are expected to end up mainly in the ocean and pose no risk due to the absence of harmful substances. ESA reassured the public
emphasizing that the likelihood of space debris causing injury is extremely low, less than 1 in 100 billion, which is significantly lower than the risk of dying in a household accident.