Revolutionary European remote sensing satellite ERS-2 launched in 1995 is expected to fall to Earth today in the evening.

The European Space Agency (ESA) claims that the majority of this satellite will burn up on its way to Earth.

However, it is possible that some parts will withstand the heat that will occur during the descent at high speed, although the chances of these fragments falling on inhabited areas and causing damage are small.

Parts of the satellite could fall almost anywhere in the world, most likely into the sea, reported by the BBC.

ESA launched two nearly identical Earth remote sensing satellites in the 1990s.

They were the most sophisticated planetary observers of their time, with a set of instruments for monitoring changes on land, in oceans, and in the atmosphere.

ERS-2, the first to return to Earth, was originally placed 780 kilometers above the planet, and engineers used its fuel reserves in 2011 to lower it to a height of 570 kilometers.

The instruments on the satellite helped scientists monitor and understand the Earth’s climate, oceans, and land, allowing them to track changes and contribute to global climate research.

The ERS program, which included ERS-1 and ERS-2, provided valuable data for climate studies, natural disaster management, and urban planning.

Both satellites played a crucial role in monitoring polar ice fields, mapping surface structures, and monitoring agricultural and forestry resources.

In addition, they provided important information on the atmosphere and climatic changes, as well as data for mapping and monitoring coastal regions and oceans, making a significant contribution to human understanding of Earth’s processes.

The satellite’s planned re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere was scheduled for 2001, but it was later extended until 2003.

The satellite’s demise is significant not only because of its technological importance but also because it marks the end of an era in space exploration.

European space programs and their satellites have made significant contributions to scientific research and our understanding of the Earth’s systems and processes.

The ERS-2 satellite has served well beyond its planned lifetime and has provided valuable data that has contributed to our understanding of the Earth’s environment and its changes over more than two decades.

Its planned re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere is a reminder of the importance of responsible and sustainable space technology and the need to address the growing problem of space debris.

As space exploration and satellite technology continue to advance, it is crucial to develop strategies for managing and safely disposing of old satellites and space debris to minimize the risk of damage to people and property.

It is also important to continue to invest in and support space research and technology to address global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and environmental conservation.

The ERS-2 satellite’s planned re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere is a reminder of the value of space technology and the need to address the challenges of space debris management for a sustainable and responsible space exploration.