The Van Allen Probe spacecraft was originally designed to weigh more than 1,300 pounds. After almost 14 years since it was launched in 2012, it’s finally time for it to return through Earth’s atmosphere. This significant event is expected to occur around 19:45 EST (00:45 GMT) on Tuesday, according to predictions from the US Space Force. There is a 24-hour window of uncertainty about the exact moment of its return.
While originally planned for a two-year mission, the Van Allen Probe far outlived expectations. It functioned as intended for nearly seven years. The mission’s goal was to collect unprecedented data on Earth’s two permanent radiation belts, or Van Allen belts. These invaluable magnetic belts safeguard our only home from hurtling cosmic radiation, harmful solar storms, and streaming solar wind. In its operational period from 2012 to 2019, the spacecraft opened a new world of discoveries. It projected the first observations of an ephemeral third radiation belt.
NASA’s Van Allen Probe and its twin, Van Allen Probe B, launched on this mission to study particles in the radiation belts. Their priority was to figure out how such particles are acquired and ablated. Even though both probes completed and continue to provide valuable science, only Van Allen Probe A will likely re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in the near future. Unlike Van Allen Probe A, which has already returned home, Van Allen Probe B is expected to stay aloft until at least 2030.
The Van Allen Probe A on a fast approach. Almost all of the spacecraft will safely burn up during re-entry. Yet, there are still many components that can stand up to the extreme heat produced during this process. The probability that any debris would hurt someone is very small, just one in 4,200. The safety of human life is always paramount, especially during re-entry of space hardware.
As of March 30, the Van Allen Probe mission has officially come to an end. The spacecraft has now depleted its fuel supply and is no longer able to orient itself toward the Sun. With this chapter closing, the scientific community is taking a moment to celebrate the wealth of invaluable data from the mission. This data really expands our knowledge of how our own planet is protecting us from destructive cosmic events.
