NASA's Van Allen Probe A Set for Atmospheric Re-entry After 14 Years in Orbit

NASA's Van Allen Probe A, a 1,323-pound spacecraft launched in 2012, is projected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere around 7:45 p.m. EDT on March 10, 2026, according to the U.S. Space Force. This timing carries an uncertainty margin of plus or minus 24 hours.

The majority of the probe is expected to disintegrate upon re-entry; however, some components may survive. NASA assesses the risk of debris causing harm to individuals on Earth as low, approximately 1 in 4,200.

The Van Allen Probes, comprising Probe A and its twin, Probe B, were launched to study Earth's radiation belts. Their mission, initially planned for two years, extended to nearly seven, concluding in 2019 when both spacecraft exhausted their fuel.

Originally, Probe A's re-entry was anticipated for 2034. However, increased solar activity during the current solar cycle intensified atmospheric drag, leading to an earlier-than-expected descent.

NASA and the U.S. Space Force will continue to monitor the re-entry and provide updates as necessary.