Dead European Satellite Is Set to Crash Back to Earth Soon

The European Space Agency (ESA) has issued a warning about the imminent reentry of a defunct satellite, ERS-2, back into Earth's atmosphere. Launched in 1995 for Earth observation purposes, the satellite completed its mission in 2011 and has since been descending gradually towards Earth.

ESA initiated controlled maneuvers in 2011 to expedite the satellite's descent, reducing the risk of collision with other space objects. ERS-2 is now expected to crash back to Earth in mid-February, although the exact date remains uncertain.

While most of the satellite is expected to burn up upon reentry, some debris may survive and land on Earth's surface. ESA reassures that the chances of anyone being harmed by falling debris are incredibly low, estimated at less than one in a billion.

As ERS-2's descent progresses, ESA will provide updates to ensure public awareness and safety. While the fiery reentry may capture attention, the likelihood of any significant impact on the ground remains extremely low, reinforcing the message that space agencies are actively managing the risks associated with satellite deorbiting.