The European Space Agency\u2019s (ESA) Earth observation satellite, ERS-2, is scheduled for atmospheric reentry on February 21, 2024. Launched in April 1995, ERS-2 has been instrumental in monitoring Earth\u2019s surface and natural disasters for nearly 30 years.<\/strong><\/p>\n The European Space Agency\u2019s (ESA) ERS-2 satellite, once hailed as the most sophisticated Earth observation spacecraft developed by Europe, is slated for reentry into Earth\u2019s atmosphere at 15:41 UTC on February 21, 2024, with a variability of +\/- 11.5 hours, as of 16:30 UTC today. <\/p>\n This uncertainty is due primarily to the influence of unpredictable solar activity, which affects the density of Earth\u2019s atmosphere and therefore the drag experienced by the satellite.<\/p>\n This variability introduces uncertainty into the satellite\u2019s final descent, rendering it uncontrolled and leaving the exact landing location unknown. The lack of remaining fuel negates the possibility of guiding the satellite to a predetermined, safe impact point in the ocean.<\/p>\n Through a series of 66 deorbiting maneuvers in July and August 2011, ERS-2\u2019s altitude was reduced from 785 km (488 miles) to approximately 573 km (356 miles), ensuring a quicker reentry and minimizing collision risks. The maneuvers used the satellite\u2019s remaining fuel, leading to its passivation in September of the same year.<\/p>\n Despite the careful planning behind the satellite\u2019s end-of-life strategy, there remains a slight risk that fragments, potentially as large as 52 kg (115 pounds), could survive the reentry process and impact Earth\u2019s surface. The satellite is expected to begin fragmenting at about 80 km (50 miles) above the Earth, posing a minimal but existent risk to people and property.<\/p>\n This event concludes the satellite\u2019s remarkable journey, which began with its launch on April 21, 1995, alongside its predecessor, ERS-1. Together, these satellites provided invaluable data on the Earth\u2019s land surfaces, oceans, and polar caps, and played a crucial role in monitoring global natural disasters.<\/p>\n ERS-2\u2019s longevity surpassed expectations, operating for 16 years before the decision was made in 2011 to end its mission.<\/p>\n References:<\/p>\n 1<\/sup> ERS-2 reentry homepage \u2013 ESA \u2013 February 5, 2024<\/p>\n 2<\/sup> ERS-2 reentry live updates \u2013 ESA \u2013 February 5, 2024<\/p>\n Featured image: ERS-2 satellite on January 28, 2024. Credit: HEO\/UK Space Agency<\/em><\/p>\n If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.<\/p>\n <\/center>\n\n<\/p>\n Wednesday, October 19, 2022<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n Friday, July 29, 2022<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n Friday, February 11, 2022<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n Saturday, January 5, 2019<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n Friday, October 19, 2018<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n Monday, March 12, 2018<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n![\"ers-2](\"https:\/\/watchers.news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ers-2-satellite-by-heo.webp\")
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