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Out-of-control satellite is hurtling towards us and will hit atmosphere very soon

Home> Science

Published 16:50 20 Feb 2024 GMT

Out-of-control satellite is hurtling towards us and will hit atmosphere very soon

Scientists have no idea where it's going to land.

Rebekah Jordan

Rebekah Jordan

Every so often in the news we see that something in space is coming crashing down to Earth, whether it's a meteor or debris or some form.

Recently announced, there's an out-of-control satellite hurtling towards our planet's atmosphere.

The satellite known as European Remote Sensing 2 satellite (ERS-2) has been orbiting for over 30 years and is now making its way back down to Earth - and will arrive very soon!

The UK's Space Agency mentioned that it's working with the HEO satellite tracking firm to closely observe the falling satellite before its impact.

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Unfortunately, scientists don't have a clue where it'll land.

The satellite is expected to hit Earth's atmosphere on February 21st 12.10pm / HEO
The satellite is expected to hit Earth's atmosphere on February 21st 12.10pm / HEO

According to ESA (European Space Agency), the satellite is forecasted to land on our planet on Wednesday February 21 at 12:10 pm. There is also a leeway time of approximately 27 hours on either side.

The UK Space Agency claims it operates 'the UK's re-entry warning service and has tasked our UK sensors to observe the re-entry of ERS-2.'

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ESA explained: 'While we can forecast the reentry to within a few days, it is not possible to predict exactly when and where the satellite will re-enter prior to its final few orbits. As we approach the day of reentry, we will be able to predict a time and location with increasing certainty.'

ERS-2 was launched into space in 1995 and at the time of lift-off, weighed 5,547 pounds (2,516 kg).

There is a one-in-2,500 chance the rogue satellite might land on someone's head, according to NASA, but those are pretty high odds.

ERS-2 was launched into space in 1995 /Roberto Machado Noa/Getty
ERS-2 was launched into space in 1995 /Roberto Machado Noa/Getty

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'During reentry, the satellite will break up into pieces, the majority of which will burn up. The risks associated with satellite reentries are very low,' ESA continued.

Luckily, the government's space debris re-entry service can issue public warnings if a potential crisis or threat is likely.

The UK Space Agency remarked: 'Our orbital analysts use UK developed state-of-the art modelling to monitor re-entering objects and produce re-entry warnings if it is a UK-licensed object re-entering, or if the UK or our overseas territories/crown dependencies might be affected.'

Commenting on the challenge of satellite tracking, Angus Stewart, in charge of Space Surveillance and Tracking at the UK Space Agency, added: 'There are thousands of operational and defunct satellites in orbit around the Earth, and the ability to operate safely in space and bring the benefits back to Earth is growing increasingly challenging.'

Featured Image Credit: HEO/Roberto Machado Noa/Getty
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