Fiery Satellite Freefall: Unbelievable Footage

The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully conducted an "assisted reentry" maneuver for its Aeolus satellite, guiding its controlled descent back to Earth and reducing the risk of debris landing near populated areas. The satellite, which had been in orbit since 2018 and improved weather forecasts and climate models, retired in July and was intentionally deorbited over Antarctica. About 80% of the satellite burned up during reentry, with the remaining 20% safely landing in the ocean. With the increasing number of satellites in orbit, ESA is prioritizing safer satellite decommissioning to mitigate the risk of space debris.