European satellite falls back to Earth after 29 years

A satellite has broken apart and reentered the Earth’s atmosphere after almost three decades in orbit. Much of the ERS-2 satellite burned up in the atmosphere while some fragments fell into the North Pacific Ocean.

At approximately 18:17 CET (17:17 UTC) on Wednesday 21 February 2024, ESA’s ERS-2 satellite completed its atmospheric reentry over the North Pacific Ocean. No damage to property has been reported.

ESA’s second European Remote Sensing satellite, ERS-2, was launched almost 30 years ago, on 21 April 1995. Together with the almost-identical ERS-1, it provided invaluable long-term data on Earth’s land surfaces, ocean temperatures, ozone layer and polar ice extent that revolutionised our understanding of the Earth system. It was also called upon to monitor and assist the response to natural disasters.

“The ERS satellites have provided a stream of data which has changed our view of the world in which we live,” said ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli. “They have provided us with new insights on our planet, the chemistry of our atmosphere, the behavior of our oceans, and the effects of mankind’s activity on our environment – creating new opportunities for scientific research and applications.”

Having far exceeded its planned lifetime of three years, ESA took the decision to deorbit ERS-2 in 2011 in light of growing concern over the long-term hazard that orbital debris poses to current and future space activities.

The 2.5-metric-ton (2.75-US-ton) satellite was deliberately and gradually brought down to avoid creating yet more space junk in Earth’s orbit that could pose a threat to active satellites and the International Space Station.

The vast majority of the satellite burned up when it reentered the Earth’s atmosphere, according to the ESA. Other fragments of the satellite fell into the sea below. 

The satellite was estimated to have a mass of around 2,294 kg after being depleted of fuel. “On average, an object of similar mass reenters Earth’s atmosphere every week or two,” the ESA said on its website.

ESA experts had already said there was almost no chance of debris harming humans and confirmed it in a statement after the satellite broke into the Earth’s atmosphere.

Photo: ESA’s European Remote Sensing 2 satellite (ERS-2) was recently spotted tumbling as it descends through the atmosphere. These images were captured by cameras on board other satellites by Australian company HEO on behalf of the UK Space Agency. ESA

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