NASA's Van Allen Probe A to Re-enter Earth's Atmosphere on March 10 or 11, 2026
NASA's Van Allen Probe A is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere on March 10 or 11, 2026, after 14 years in orbit. The satellite, launched in August 2012, was part of a mission to study Earth's radiation belts. While most of the spacecraft is expected to burn up upon re-entry, some fragments may survive. The estimated risk of injury to people on the ground is about 1 in 4200. Increased solar activity has expanded Earth's atmosphere, potentially shortening the probe's operational lifespan due to higher atmospheric drag.
Theia Market Signal Identification - AI Assisted
NASA's Van Allen Probe A will re-enter Earth's atmosphere on March 10 or 11, 2026, following nearly 14 years in orbit. Launched in August 2012, it was designed to study Earth's radiation belts alongside Probe B, which is expected to re-enter in 2030.
The U.S. Space Force anticipates re-entry around 12:45 AM on March 11, with a 24-hour margin of error. NASA estimates a minimal injury risk of 1 in 4200 for people on the ground.
Increased solar activity has caused the atmosphere to expand, increasing drag on satellites. Over 27,000 tracked objects larger than 10 cm currently orbit Earth, contributing to space debris concerns.
Comments