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“We see objects similar in size or larger to ERS-2 reentering the atmosphere multiple times each year.” “Uncontrolled Atmospheric reentry has long been a common method for disposing of space objects at the end of their mission,” said Tim Flohrer, head of the agency’s Space Debris Office, in a statement. The ERS-2 satellite had an estimated mass of 5,057 pounds (2,294 kilograms) after depleting its fuel, according to the agency. The sun’s increased activity already had an impact on speeding up the reentry of the ESA’s Aeolus satellite in July 2023. Related article ‘Odie’ lunar mission takes off, aiming for historic US moon landing The Odysseus lunar lander, developed by Houston-based company Intuitive Machines, launches atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at Cape Canaveral Florida on February 15, 2024. Solar maximum is expected to occur later this year. As the sun nears its 11-year cycle’s peak, known as solar maximum, solar activity has been ramping up. The exact time remained unclear even in the days leading up to reentry due to the unpredictability of solar activity, which can change the density of Earth’s atmosphere and how the atmosphere tugs on the satellite. The agency said it was possible that some fragments could reach the planet’s surface, but the pieces didn’t contain any harmful substances and likely fell into the ocean. The ESA provided continuous live updates on its website.Īt around 50 miles (80 kilometers) above Earth’s surface, the satellite broke apart due to atmospheric drag, and the majority of the fragments were expected to burn up in the atmosphere. The agency’s Space Debris Office, along with an international surveillance network, monitored and tracked the Earth-observing ERS-2 satellite throughout February to make predictions about the reentry, which occurred at 12:17 p.m. A European Space Agency satellite reentered Earth’s atmosphere over the North Pacific Ocean between Alaska and Hawaii Wednesday afternoon and there have been no reports of damage, according to the agency.