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Aeolus Satellite

All articles tagged with #aeolus satellite

science-and-technology2 years ago•2 min saved

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.

via ScienceAlert|

#aeolus-satellite #assisted-reentry #european-space-agency

space2 years ago•2 min saved

"Capturing the Fiery Demise of Europe's Aeolus Satellite: A Final Glimpse"

The European Space Agency has released final images of its wind-measuring Aeolus satellite, which recently completed an "assisted reentry" to reduce the risk of debris falling to Earth. Aeolus was the first satellite to track terrestrial winds and provided valuable data for climate studies and meteorology. The images show the satellite tumbling as it interacted with the Earth's atmosphere before reentering and burning up, with only 20% surviving over Antarctica. The reentry operation tested new methods to reduce debris risk and will inform future end-of-life plans for space missions.

via Space.com|

#aeolus-satellite #assisted-reentry #debris-reduction

space2 years ago•2 min saved

Farewell to a Doomed Wind-Watching Satellite: Eerie Final Images

The European Space Agency's Aeolus satellite, which completed its mission to profile Earth's winds, has been captured in eerie radar images shortly before its fiery demise. The satellite, launched in 2018, spent nearly five years in orbit before being intentionally guided to safely burn up over an uninhabited area of Antarctica. The radar images, taken by the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, provide a glimpse into the final moments of the mission and highlight the agency's efforts to mitigate space junk and ensure responsible operations.

via CNET|

#aeolus-satellite #european-space-agency #radar-images

space2 years ago•6 min saved

"Aeolus Navigates Earth's Fiery Welcome on Mission Impossible"

The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing for its first-ever assisted satellite reentry as the wind-mapping satellite Aeolus nears the end of its mission. Despite being constructed before current end-of-life disposal regulations, ESA is striving to adhere to contemporary best practices by steering Aeolus towards an ocean reentry to minimize risk. Simulations are being conducted to ensure a safe and successful mission completion, although challenges posed by fluctuating atmospheric conditions due to heightened solar activity are creating uncertainties. The reentry maneuvers will be performed over uninhabited regions, and ground stations will track Aeolus's signal and provide new commands if needed.

via SciTechDaily|

#aeolus-satellite #european-space-agency #ocean-reentry

space2 years ago•2 min saved

Europe's Space Agency Implements Assisted Re-Entry for Retiring Satellite, Setting a Responsible Precedent

The European Space Agency (ESA) is attempting a "first of its kind" assisted re-entry for its observation satellite Aeolus, which has exceeded expectations during its five-year mission. As the satellite was not designed for a controlled re-entry, ESA aims to reduce the risk of harming humans or infrastructure and set an example for responsible space practices. Aeolus will be brought back to Earth gradually over four stages, with the majority expected to burn up in the atmosphere. ESA plans to make all future spacecraft "debris neutral" to ensure space safety and sustainability.

via Euronews|

#aeolus-satellite #assisted-re-entry #european-space-agency