BulletsIn

• 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.