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Probe's descent after extended mission
NASA has announced that the Van Allen Probe A spacecraft, weighing over 1,300 pounds (600 kilograms), is set to re-enter Earth's atmosphere nearly 14 years after its launch. The US Space Force estimates the re-entry will occur around 19:45 EDT (23:45 GMT) on Tuesday, though the timing remains uncertain within a 24-hour window.
Risk assessment and expected outcome
The space agency expects most of the spacecraft to burn up during re-entry, though some components may survive. NASA has calculated a 1 in 4,200 chance of harm from debris, describing the risk as "low." The exact location of re-entry remains unclear, and NASA has not yet provided further details.
Mission background and achievements
Launched in 2012, Van Allen Probe A and its twin, Probe B, were tasked with studying Earth's two permanent radiation belts. The mission, originally designed for two years, lasted nearly seven before the spacecraft ran out of fuel and could no longer orient toward the Sun.
From 2012 to 2019, the probes flew through the Van Allen belts-rings of charged particles trapped by Earth's magnetic field-to investigate how particles are gained and lost. These belts play a critical role in shielding the planet from cosmic radiation, solar storms, and solar wind, which can harm humans and damage technology.
Key discoveries
The mission yielded significant findings, including the first evidence of a transient third radiation belt that can form during periods of intense solar activity, according to NASA.
Monitoring and future updates
NASA and the US Space Force will track the re-entry and refine predictions as more data becomes available. Van Allen Probe B, the mission's twin, is not expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere before 2030.
