NASA's 600-kilogram Van Allen Probe A satellite set to crash back to earth tonight: What's the risk?

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A major and surprising news is coming from space. A large satellite of the American space agency NASA, weighing approximately 600 kilograms, is going to enter the Earth's atmosphere today, March 10, 2026. After a long journey of nearly 14 years, this satellite, named "Van Allen Probe A," is now in its final stages and is rapidly moving towards Earth. The US Space Force is constantly monitoring its every activity and issuing updates every moment.

Disaster is coming from space, are humans afraid of harm?

The news of this huge satellite approaching Earth is bound to create fear in people's minds, but NASA has clarified the situation completely. According to the US Space Force's update of March 9, this satellite will enter the atmosphere between 8 and 9 pm tonight as per Indian time, although there may be a difference of 24 hours in this estimated time. NASA says that as soon as it enters the atmosphere, due to strong air friction, most of this satellite will burn to ashes. Some of its very strong pieces may survive and reach Earth, but the chances of it causing any harm to any person or property are negligible.

What was the mission of this special satellite?

In August 2012, Van Allen Probe A and its twin satellite, Probe B, were launched into space to conduct an in-depth study of the radiation belts surrounding Earth. Named after the legendary scientist James Van Allen, these belts protect Earth by blocking dangerous particles from the Sun. Originally intended for a two-year mission, the satellites performed far beyond expectations, operating continuously until 2019. Orbiting in elliptical orbits ranging from 621 kilometers near Earth to more than 300,000 kilometers away, they collected invaluable data that continues to help scientists understand the mysteries of space.

If it was supposed to remain in space till 2034, then why did it suddenly start falling?

At the end of this mission, scientists had clearly predicted that these two satellites would remain safely in orbit until 2034. However, unexpected solar activity disrupted NASA's calculations. In fact, the Sun's activity has increased significantly in recent years, causing Earth's atmosphere to expand slightly. This expansion has significantly increased air friction on satellites in the upper atmosphere. Due to this intense friction, Van Allen Probe A rapidly descended and is about to complete its final journey today. Its twin satellite, Probe B, is currently safe due to its slightly higher altitude and is unlikely to fall to Earth before 2030.