A satellite as heavy as a fully grown rhinoceros is expected to enter Earth’s atmosphere this week.
According to the most recent projections from the European Space Agency, a satellite is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in an uncontrolled manner on Wednesday.
According to the space agency, ERS-2, weighing approximately the same as an adult male rhinoceros, could enter Earth’s atmosphere 15 hours earlier or later than anticipated. The agency is unable to accurately forecast the exact time and location of the satellite’s re-entry due to its “natural” nature.
What does “natural return” mean?
The European Space Agency reported that ERS-2’s batteries were drained and its communication antenna and onboard electronics were turned off. As a result, it is not possible to actively manipulate the satellite’s movement from the ground as it descends. In 2011, the remaining fuel on ERS-2 was utilized to decrease the chance of a destructive explosion that could produce a significant amount of debris in space.
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Source: cbsnews.com