A retired space research satellite is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in March 2026 after completing more than a decade studying radiation belts around the planet.

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•  The inactive satellite Van Allen Probe A, launched in 2012 to study Earth’s radiation belts, is expected to make an uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry in March 2026.
•  The spacecraft weighs about six hundred kilograms and spent more than a decade collecting valuable scientific data about high-energy radiation surrounding Earth.
•  Because the satellite is no longer operational, space agencies cannot control the exact time or location of its descent back to Earth.
•  During atmospheric entry the spacecraft will experience extreme heat and friction, causing most of its structure to burn up and disintegrate in the atmosphere.
•  Scientists say the risk from falling debris is extremely low because most parts will burn completely before reaching Earth’s surface.
•  Even if small fragments survive the descent, they are most likely to fall into oceans since water covers nearly seventy percent of Earth’s surface.
•  Predicting the precise timing and location of satellite re-entry is difficult due to factors such as atmospheric density, solar activity, space weather and orbital changes.
•  The mission originally included two spacecraft designed to study radiation belts that influence space weather and affect satellites, astronauts and communication systems.