After over a decade in space, the defunct satellite ERS-2 is set to make its return to Earth this week. The European Space Agency has predicted a natural re-entry of the satellite on Wednesday around 10 a.m. ET.
The satellite was launched in 1995 and remained in operation until 2011, during which time it completed over 5,000 projects. ERS-2 provided valuable data on the planet’s shrinking polar ice, sea levels, and atmospheric make-up.
To prevent the satellite from remaining in space for over 100 years, ERS-2 conducted 66 de-orbiting maneuvers. The European Space Agency expects that the majority of the satellite will disintegrate in Earth’s atmosphere, with any remaining debris likely to land in a body of water. The exact landing location of the debris is currently unknown.
The return of ERS-2 highlights the challenges of space debris and the importance of responsibly managing satellites at the end of their operational life. Stay tuned for updates on the satellite’s re-entry and its final impact on Earth’s environment.