NASA’s spacecraft set to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere after nearly 14 years

NASA has announced that the Van Allen Probe A spacecraft, which launched in 2012, is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere on March 17, nearly 14 years after its mission began. The US Space Force predicts the re-entry will occur around 19:45 EDT (23:45 GMT), though NASA notes there is a 24-hour margin of uncertainty in the timing.

The 600kg (1,300lb) spacecraft is expected to mostly burn up during its descent, although some components may survive. NASA has described the risk of injury from debris as “low,” estimating a one in 4,200 chance of harm. The agency and the US Space Force will continue to monitor the re-entry and provide updated predictions, BBC reports.

Van Allen Probe A, along with its twin, Van Allen Probe B, was launched to study Earth’s two permanent radiation belts. Originally designed for a two-year mission, the probes operated for nearly seven years, until they ran out of fuel and could no longer orient themselves toward the Sun.

From 2012 to 2019, the probes collected detailed data on charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field, providing insights into how these particles are gained and lost. Known as the Van Allen belts, these regions shield the planet from cosmic radiation, solar storms, and harmful solar wind.

The mission achieved several significant discoveries, including evidence of a transient third radiation belt that can form during periods of intense solar activity, NASA said.

Van Allen Probe B is not expected to re-enter the atmosphere before 2030. NASA has not yet specified where on Earth the re-entry will occur and is closely monitoring the spacecraft as it approaches the planet.

By Sabina Mammadli