NASA's Van Allen Probe A Set for Atmospheric Reentry After 14 Years in Orbit

NASA's Van Allen Probe A, a 1,323-pound spacecraft launched in August 2012, is anticipated to re-enter Earth's atmosphere on March 10, 2026, after nearly 14 years in orbit. The U.S. Space Force predicts the reentry will occur at approximately 7:45 p.m. EDT, with a margin of error of plus or minus 24 hours.

The Van Allen Probes, including Probe A and its twin, Probe B, were designed to study Earth's radiation belts. Both spacecraft were deactivated in 2019. NASA expects most of Probe A to burn up during reentry, though some components may survive. The risk to people on the ground is considered low, approximately 1 in 4,200.

Initially, the probes were projected to remain in orbit until 2034. However, increased solar activity in recent years has expanded Earth's atmosphere, increasing drag on the satellites and leading to an earlier reentry. Probe B is now expected to re-enter the atmosphere before 2030.

Throughout their mission, the Van Allen Probes provided valuable data on Earth's radiation belts, enhancing understanding of space weather and its effects on satellites, astronauts, and terrestrial systems such as communications and power grids.