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NASA has confirmed that the Van Allen Probe A satellite will reenter Earth's atmosphere on March 10, 2026, due to losing its orbital control. Originally launched in August 2012, the satellite was part of a mission to study the Van Allen radiation belts, which concluded in 2019.

The U.S. Space Force estimates the reentry at 7:45 PM EDT, with a margin of ±24 hours. Increased solar activity has accelerated the satellite's descent, moving the reentry date forward by nearly a decade.

The probability of damage from falling fragments is approximately 1 in 4,200. Most debris is expected to burn up upon reentry, and if any survives, it is likely to land in unpopulated areas or the ocean.