NASA's Van Allen Probe A satellite is making an uncontrolled reentry that exceeds the agency's safety guidelines, with a 1 in 4,200 chance of causing harm compared to the standard 1 in 10,000 threshold. The spacecraft, which studied Earth's radiation belts for over a decade, received a waiver due to its scientific benefits despite the increased risk. Most of the 1,323-pound satellite will burn up during reentry, but some debris may reach Earth's surface.
Background
Space agencies have established guidelines for satellite reentry risks to minimize potential harm to people on Earth. The Van Allen Probes were launched in 2012 to study Earth's radiation belts, which protect the planet from cosmic radiation.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Mar 11, 2026 at 07:01 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10