Summary
A NASA spacecraft called the Van Allen Probe A will soon come back into Earth's atmosphere almost 14 years after its launch in 2012. Most of the spacecraft is expected to burn up on re-entry. The Van Allen Probes were used to study radiation belts around Earth.
Key Facts
- The Van Allen Probe A will re-enter Earth's atmosphere about 14 years after its launch.
- It weighs about 1,300 pounds (600 kg).
- The probe's re-entry is expected at 19:45 EST (00:45 GMT) on Tuesday, with a 24-hour uncertainty margin.
- Most of the spacecraft will burn up, though some parts may survive.
- NASA estimates a low risk (1 in 4,200 chance) of someone being harmed by debris.
- The probe was launched in 2012 to study Earth's radiation belts.
- The mission lasted nearly seven years, despite being planned for two years.
- Van Allen Probe B, a sister spacecraft, is not expected to re-enter before 2030.
