ERS-2 Satellite Re-Entry: No Damage Reported
The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed the successful re-entry of the ERS-2 satellite into the Earth’s atmosphere. The satellite, which completed its re-entry over the North Pacific Ocean, did not cause any material damage.
End of an Era
Nearly three decades after its launch, the ERS-2 has finally met its end. The satellite’s path during re-entry took it over central Europe and through Croatia. The ESA confirmed the re-entry occurred at 17:17 over the North Pacific Ocean, between Alaska and Hawaii.
About ERS-2
Launched on April 21, 1995, the European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS-2), developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), was one of the most advanced Earth observation satellites of its time. Along with its predecessor, ERS-1, it collected valuable data on the Earth’s land surfaces, oceans, and polar caps. It also monitored natural disasters such as severe floods and earthquakes in remote areas.
In 2011, after 16 successful years of operation, the ESA decided to end the mission and deorbit the satellite. This process involved 66 deorbit maneuvers, which used up the remaining fuel and reduced the satellite’s average altitude from 785 km to approximately 573 km. This action accelerated orbital decay and minimized the risk of collision with other satellites or space debris.
All on-board instruments and electronic systems were deactivated and internal batteries drained to minimize fragmentation during re-entry.
Throughout its operational life, ERS-2 contributed significantly to our understanding of Earth and climate change. It collected a wealth of data on polar ice reduction, changes in land surfaces, sea-level rise, ocean warming, and atmospheric chemistry. Moreover, it monitored natural disasters, providing crucial information about floods and earthquakes in remote and inaccessible parts of the world.
