NASA's Van Allen Probe A re-enters Earth's atmosphere earlier than expected

A NASA spacecraft, identified as the Van Allen Probe A, weighing 1,300lb, re-entered Earth's atmosphere earlier than planned. Much of the probe was expected to burn up, with NASA assessing a low risk of surviving components striking people.

12 Mar, 11:23 — 12 Mar, 17:03

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Why this matters

The Van Allen Probes were twin spacecraft launched by NASA in 2012 to study Earth's radiation belts, known as the Van Allen belts. Their mission was to understand the dynamics of these belts and their impact on satellites and human spaceflight. The early re-entry of one probe marks the end of its extended mission.

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BBCHigh7h ago

Nasa spacecraft weighing 1,300lb re-enters Earth's atmosphere

Much of the Van Allen Probe was expected to burn up in the atmosphere, though Nasa said there was a "low" risk of people being struck by surviving components.

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orfHigh2h ago