NASA's 14-Year-Old Satellite Re-enters Earth Today: What You Need to Know
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NASA's Van Allen Probe A: 14-Year-Old Satellite Re-enters Earth Today
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CNBC TV18•11-03-2026, 16:41
NASA's Van Allen Probe A: 14-Year-Old Satellite Re-enters Earth Today
•NASA's 14-year-old research satellite, Van Allen Probe A, is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere today, March 11, 2026, around 5:15 a.m. IST.
•Weighing 1,323 pounds, the satellite will make an uncontrolled re-entry; most of it will burn up due to heat, with minimal chance of small pieces reaching the ground.
•NASA estimates a very low risk of harm, approximately 1 in 4,200, as oceans cover 71% of the planet's surface.
•Launched on August 30, 2012, the probe, along with Van Allen Probe B, studied Earth's radiation belts for seven years, exceeding its two-year mission.
•Its early re-entry, originally expected in 2034, is due to stronger-than-expected solar activity in 2024.
