How 30-Year-Old Satellite is Expected to Crash-Land in Africa Today

The European Space Agency (ESA) is on high alert as the 30-year-old European Remote Sensing satellite ERS-2 is set to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and potentially crash-land in Africa. 

After 13 years of orbital decay, the satellite, launched in 1995, is expected to break up and burn upon re-entry. However, the ESA is closely monitoring the situation, with predictions indicating a likely descent over the east coast of central Africa.

The ERS-2, a pioneer in Earth observation satellites, was part of a groundbreaking mission alongside its predecessor, ERS-1, launched four years prior. These satellites revolutionized our understanding of Earth’s climate, providing crucial data on polar ice, land surfaces, sea levels, oceans, and atmospheric chemistry. 

Additionally, the ERS-2 played a vital role in monitoring natural disasters, aiding in disaster response and mitigation efforts globally.

The de-orbiting process of the ERS-2 began in 2011, following its retirement, and is now reaching its final stages. Despite the satellite’s age and eventual demise, the ESA emphasizes that the associated risks are minimal, as any surviving debris would be dispersed over a wide area, reducing the likelihood of impact.

As the ERS-2 re-enters Earth’s atmosphere, the ESA’s Space Debris Office continues to track its descent, with a predicted re-entry time of around 15:32 GMT. While the exact timing may vary due to unpredictable solar activity, the ESA remains vigilant, ensuring minimal impact from the satellite’s crash-landing in Africa.

In summary, the re-entry of the ERS-2 satellite serves as a reminder of its remarkable contributions to our understanding of Earth’s environment. As it makes its final descent, its legacy of scientific discovery and technological innovation will endure, shaping future advancements in space exploration and environmental monitoring.