![](\"http:\/\/www.esa.int\/var\/esa\/storage\/images\/esa_multimedia\/images\/2016\/01\/taking_down_envisat_model\/15753450-1-eng-GB\/Taking_down_Envisat_model_small.jpg\")
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\nThe Netherlands\u2019 Noordwijk coast lost a local landmark recently as a full-scale model of Europe\u2019s largest ever environmental satellite was removed from the visitor centre for ESA\u2019s technical heart.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe eight-tonne Envisat satellite was launched in 2002. Carrying 10 instruments, the lorry-sized satellite spent a decade monitoring the terrestrial environment, paving the way for Europe\u2019s current Sentinel<\/a> series.\n<\/p>\n \nThis metal and plastic replica was installed outside Space Expo \u2013 the visitor centre for ESA\u2019s ESTEC<\/a> technical centre \u2013 in July 1999, but it eventually fell prey to the terrestrial environment: years of exposure to North Sea winds led to pieces dropping off.\n<\/p>\n \nThe decision to dismantle it was taken to prevent it becoming a danger to the public.\n<\/p>\n \nThe operation began<\/a> with workers on a cherry picker<\/a> pulling the main body apart. Then cutting torches<\/a> split its support structure and solar wings, with an articulated hauler used<\/a> to pull everything down. The work took place on 18 December.\n<\/p>\n \nThe actual Envisat \u2013 drifting in its 800 km-altitude orbit since contact was lost in 2012 \u2013 is itself due for disposal. It is the planned target of ESA\u2019s proposed e.Deorbit mission, intended to pioneer the concept of space debris removal.\n<\/p>\n \nDue for launch in 2021, e.Deorbit<\/a> will rendezvous with the lost satellite and then secure it for a controlled atmospheric reentry.\n<\/p>\n \nSpace Expo<\/a> might have lost one attraction, but new ones are arriving regularly \u2013 an Ariane 5 Vulcain engine is among its latest acquisitions. Visitors can also book guided tours of the adjoining ESTEC establishment.\n<\/p>\n \nA replacement satellite replica is planned to be installed in Envisat\u2019s place, but its identity is yet to be announced.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \nThe Netherlands’ Noordwijk coast lost a local landmark recently as a full-scale model of Europe’s largest ever environmental satellite was removed from the visitor centre for ESA’s technical heart.\n<\/p>\n \nThe eight-tonne Envisat satellite was launched in 2002. Carrying 10 instruments, the lorry-sized satellite spent a decade monitoring the terrestrial environment, paving the way for Europe’s current Sentinel<\/a> series.\n<\/p>\n \nThis metal and plastic replica was installed outside Space Expo – the visitor centre for ESA’s ESTEC<\/a> technical centre – in July 1999, but it eventually fell prey to the terrestrial environment: years of exposure to North Sea winds led to pieces dropping off.\n<\/p>\n \nThe decision to dismantle it was taken to prevent it becoming a danger to the public.\n<\/p>\n \nThe operation began<\/a> with workers on a cherry picker<\/a> pulling the main body apart. Then cutting torches<\/a> split its support structure and solar wings, with an articulated hauler used<\/a> to pull everything down. The work took place on 18 December.\n<\/p>\n \nThe actual Envisat – drifting in its 800 km-altitude orbit since contact was lost in 2012 – is itself due for disposal. It is the planned target of ESA’s proposed e.Deorbit mission, intended to pioneer the concept of space debris removal.\n<\/p>\n \nDue for launch in 2021, e.Deorbit<\/a> will rendezvous with the lost satellite and then secure it for a controlled atmospheric reentry.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n