Berlin, Germany – A pioneering European satellite is set to return to Earth in the coming hours, as the European Space Agency (ESA) announced that most of the ERS-2 satellite is expected to burn up during re-entry.
Launched in 1995, the ERS-2 satellite was a groundbreaking observation platform that laid the groundwork for many of the technologies used today to monitor the planet. The two-tonne satellite was part of the Earth Remote Sensing (ERS) program, which was at the forefront of planetary observation at the time, equipped with instruments to track changes on land, in the oceans, and in the air.
While most of the satellite is expected to disintegrate upon re-entry, there is a possibility that some more robust parts may survive the intense heat generated during the high-speed dive. However, the chances of any surviving fragments causing damage to populated areas are slim, with most of the Earth’s surface covered by oceans.
According to Mirko Albani from ESA’s Earth Observation Ground Segment Department, none of the elements that might re-enter the atmosphere are radioactive or toxic, providing some assurance to concerned individuals.
The return of ERS-2 marks the end of a significant era in space technology, as the satellite’s launch in the 1990s represented a time when space debris mitigation guidelines were much more relaxed. However, with the increasing number of satellites being launched into orbit, ESA has now implemented stricter guidelines to minimize the potential for collisions.
As the space industry continues to grow, companies like SpaceX have also taken proactive measures to bring down malfunctioning satellites, aiming to prevent any future complications that could interfere with ongoing space operations.
The return of ERS-2 serves as a reminder of the rapid advancements in space technology and the need for responsible satellite disposal and management to ensure the safety and sustainability of space operations for years to come.