In the world of astronomy and space exploration, it is not uncommon to see non-functional satellites come back down to Earth after the end of their mission. This is the case of the old European satellite ERS-2, launched in 1995 with the aim of studying climate change. After 13 years of observation, this 2.3 ton satellite begins its return to Earth in a natural and uncontrolled manner.
The fallout process of satellites at the end of their life is common, but the particularity of ERS-2 lies in the unpredictable nature of its return. Indeed, unlike other spacecraft that are placed in a controlled orbit before being hurtled toward Earth, ERS-2 heads on its own, creating uncertainty about when and where its potential impact will occur.
The question of space debris management then naturally arises. While most satellites eventually fall back to Earth due to gravitational forces, leaving a satellite in orbit for a long time can increase the risk of collisions with other operating spacecraft.
In the case of ERS-2, the European Space Agency made the decision to let it fall back on its own, believing it was a less risky option than letting it orbit for decades. This decision highlights the importance of responsible space debris management to ensure the safety of future space missions.
In conclusion, the fallout of the ERS-2 satellite highlights the challenges associated with space debris management and highlights the importance of adopting responsible practices to preserve the safety of space activities.