ESA's ERS-2 Satellite Safely Burns Up Over North Pacific Upon Reentry After 30 Years in Orbit

A nonfunctional satellite, weighing 5,050 pounds, reentered Earth after orbiting for three decades. Europe's ERS-2 climate satellite burned up over the Pacific Ocean, concluding 30 years of service since its launch on April 21, 1995, for studying Earth's land, oceans, and ice caps. Decommissioned in 2011, the uncontrolled reentry resulted in no reported damage from falling debris.

ERS-2 Satellite Concludes Decades of Climate Study in Pacific Plunge

After a gradual descent spanning over 12 years, the European Space Agency's (ESA) ERS-2 satellite reentered Earth's atmosphere on February 21, ultimately burning up over the North Pacific Ocean.

The satellite, operational from 1995 to 2011, had a primary mission of studying Earth's climate. During its descent, it became one of the numerous space debris pieces expected to reenter Earth this year. While most of these objects are smaller than 3.2 feet, even larger items like ERS-2 pose minimal risk to people and property on the ground.

ESA highlighted the low risks associated with satellite reentries, emphasizing that the vast majority of Earth's surface is either water or uninhabited areas. The likelihood of space debris causing harm is extremely remote, approximately 10 million times smaller than the annual risk of being struck by lightning, as per ESA's previous statements.

The intentional deorbiting maneuver of ERS-2 began in 2011, where it fired its remaining fuel to lower its altitude from 488 miles to 356 miles above Earth. This move was aimed at avoiding operational satellites and enhancing the satellite's chances of leaving orbit.

Although the descent initially progressed slowly, January of the current year witnessed a significant acceleration, with the satellite falling at speeds exceeding 6 miles per day.

The reentry itself occurred over a remote section of the North Pacific Ocean, approximately halfway between Alaska and Hawaii, marking the conclusion of ERS-2's extensive journey. While no reports of property damage have emerged, uncertainty remains regarding the survival of any debris from the fiery plunge through Earth's atmosphere.

ERS-2's Legacy and the Challenge of Space Debris Management

ERS-2, once the pinnacle of ESA's Earth-observation satellites, significantly advanced climate monitoring with its array of sensors. Mirko Albani, head of ESA's Heritage Space Programme, noted that the satellited has provided essential data on atmospheric chemistry, ocean dynamics, and human-induced environmental impacts, fostering scientific research and applications.

Deorbiting initiatives for space debris, exemplified by ERS-2's controlled descent, align with the broader trend seen in instances such as China's Long March 5B boosters and falling SpaceX rocket remnants. The deliberate descent addresses concerns regarding the escalating presence of space objects, surpassing 9,300 tons, orbiting Earth.

This not only jeopardizes the safety of the International Space Station and crewed spacecraft but also contributes to light pollution, impeding astronomical observations and complicating the detection of distant space phenomena.

While larger space debris is under surveillance by space agencies, the surge in smaller, unmonitored fragments complicates the situation. Recent events, including booster crash-landings near inhabited regions and falling rocket debris causing damage to farms globally, underscore potential hazards.

The conclusion of ERS-2's mission emphasizes the broader challenge of space debris management, underscoring the necessity for collaborative international efforts to address environmental and safety concerns within Earth's orbit.