The European space agency Esa plans to crash the satellite “Aeolus” in a controlled manner. In its five years of operation since August 2018, the satellite has measured winds in orbit, helping to improve weather forecasting and climate modelling.
Esa describes the satellite as an absolute success. He was able to measure wind speeds, even under heavy cloud cover, using a UV laser beam aimed at the Earth’s surface.
Now “Aeolus” must be lowered in several steps in order to fall to Earth in a controlled manner – in a place where there is as little danger to humans as possible.
As the 1,360-kilogram satellite has exceeded its planned lifetime in orbit, it is running out of fuel. With enough fuel for the final maneuver, mission control at ESA’s Space Operations Center in Germany now wants to send Aeolus back into our planet’s atmosphere. This should minimize the residual risk of falls.
The attempt is the first assisted reentry of its kind – a precedent according to Esa, which is not possible with every satellite. The approach is intended to help mitigate the growing problem of space debris and uncontrolled reentry.
In the final phase of the crash, “Aeolus”, whose measurement work was halted a few weeks ago, would be largely above water.
According to information from Esa, “Aeolus” loses about a kilometer of altitude every day, while its descent steadily accelerates. According to the plan, it should be lowered with a final maneuver to 120 kilometers on Friday, July 28, and crash a few hours later in a place that is as harmless as possible to humans.
Most of the device burns at an altitude of 80 kilometers. However, if parts of the satellite were to be preserved, the experts calculated that they would probably end up in the Atlantic Ocean. However, it is not possible to calculate exactly when and where the crash will take place, because it also depends on the activity of the sun. One thing is certain: the end of “Aeolus” is approaching.
Used sources:
Other interesting articles:
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
