NASA Probe Expected to Crash Uncontrollably--Impact Location Still UncertainA research probe launched by NASA to study Earth's radiation belts is anticipated to re-enter the atmosphere in an uncontrolled descent, with experts unable to accurately predict its point of impact. NASA has confirmed that Van Allen Probe A, one of two spacecraft launched for the Van Allen Probes mission, will soon re-enter the Earth's atmosphere in an uncontrolled manner. The Van Allen Probes were launched in August 2012 with the objective of studying the Van Allen radiation belts--zones of charged particles trapped by Earth's magnetic field. Probe B, the companion spacecraft, is currently projected to follow a similar path and re-enter Earth's atmosphere by approximately 2030. With a mass of roughly 600 kilograms, Van Allen Probe A is considered small enough for the majority of its structure to disintegrate upon atmospheric entry.

Source: The Munich Eye March 10, 2026 22:28 UTC