International Space Station's Depleted Batteries Return to Earth in Unguided Reentry After Three Years

For nearly three years, a cluster of spent batteries orbited Earth before reentering the atmosphere from the International Space Station. Though most of it might have disintegrated upon reentry, intact fragments may have also reached the surface.

Typically, larger space debris, like defunct satellites or rocket stages, descends in unguided trajectories, unlike this orchestrated reentry of a 2.6-ton battery pallet by NASA.

NASA Ensures Safety of Largest Space Station Object Discard

NASA representative Sandra Jones assured the safety of the battery pallet jettisoned from the ISS, emphasizing a comprehensive debris analysis. This marked the largest intentionally discarded object from the station.

The batteries commenced their reentry trajectory between Mexico and Cuba at 2:29 pm EST, with NASA expecting most debris to incinerate, minimizing intact fragments reaching the Earth's surface. While the European Space Agency (ESA) acknowledged a low risk, they recognized the potential for some debris to reach the ground.

Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell estimated around 500 kilograms of debris might interact with the Earth, aligning with the general principle that a significant portion of a large object's mass could survive reentry. The distinctive nature of this event lies in deliberately directing the discarded battery pallet on an uncontrolled trajectory, departing from customary space debris reentry patterns.

Despite the generally low risk associated with falling space debris, the circumstances of this event are notable. Launched in 2020, the cargo pallet carried new lithium-ion batteries and was released from the space station's robotic arm on March 11, 2021. It orbited the Earth every 90 minutes until aerodynamic drag and gravity influenced its reentry into the atmosphere.

The intentional nature of releasing the battery pallet on an uncontrolled trajectory adds to the uniqueness of this event, departing from the typical patterns of space debris reentry. Despite the overall low risk associated with falling space debris, the circumstances surrounding this event are noteworthy.

Launched in 2020, the cargo pallet, carrying new lithium-ion batteries, orbited Earth every 90 minutes until aerodynamic drag and gravity guided its reentry on March 11, 2021. This highlights advancements in space debris management and meticulous planning in International Space Station object disposal.

Escalating Space Debris Challenges

During a November 2023 spacewalk outside the space station, astronauts lost control of a tool bag, now drifting in space. Expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere between March and July, its smaller size suggests likely incineration upon reentry.

The escalating space debris issue, stemming from rocket launches and defunct satellites, poses substantial risks in near-Earth orbit, with over 37,000 fragments currently encircling the Earth. This number is projected to increase with a surge in satellite launches.

The European Space Agency (ESA) notes in a press statement that large space objects regularly reenter the atmosphere approximately once a week, with most fragments burning up before reaching the ground.

Despite the associated reentry risks, spacecraft, launch vehicles, and operational hardware are designed to mitigate these concerns. ESA predicts the tool bag's Earth impact window between 15:35 CET and 22:25 CET on March 8, with a variability of +/- 0.4 days.