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Re Entry

All articles tagged with #re entry

Lithium Trail in Upper Atmosphere Traced to SpaceX Re-entry
science4 days ago

Lithium Trail in Upper Atmosphere Traced to SpaceX Re-entry

Researchers using sensitive lasers detected a rapid lithium plume in the mesosphere–lower thermosphere and traced it to the February 2025 re-entry of a discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage, marking the first ground-based observation that re-entering space debris leaves a detectable chemical fingerprint. With orbital activity rising and megaconstellations planned, the study underscores the need for monitoring networks and regulatory action to understand and manage potential impacts on the upper atmosphere and ozone.

science1 year ago

Astronauts Share the Fear of Returning to Earth

Astronauts describe re-entering Earth's atmosphere as the most perilous part of space travel, due to extreme physical, technical, and psychological challenges. The process involves navigating hypersonic speeds and intense heat, with spacecraft relying on advanced thermal protection systems to prevent disaster. Despite technological advances, the psychological toll remains significant, with astronauts needing to maintain focus amidst sensory overload. This experience often leads to a profound shift in perspective, highlighting Earth's fragility and the importance of global collaboration.

Spectacular Fireball Over Southwest US Likely Satellite Debris
science-and-technology1 year ago

Spectacular Fireball Over Southwest US Likely Satellite Debris

A SpaceX Starlink satellite re-entered Earth's atmosphere, creating a fireball spectacle over the Southwest U.S., with sightings reported in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The satellite, launched in 2022, was designed to burn up upon re-entry to prevent space debris. This event coincided with ongoing meteor showers, leading to initial confusion among skywatchers.

NASA Confirms SpaceX Debris Found in North Carolina
science-and-technology1 year ago

NASA Confirms SpaceX Debris Found in North Carolina

Debris found in Western North Carolina has been confirmed by NASA to be from a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft that broke apart during re-entry. The debris, which was expected to burn up, was discovered by local residents, prompting NASA and SpaceX to use the findings to improve debris modeling. Residents are advised not to handle the debris and to contact SpaceX for recovery.

"NASA Confirms Space Station Debris Crashes into Florida Home"
space1 year ago

"NASA Confirms Space Station Debris Crashes into Florida Home"

NASA has confirmed that the mysterious object that crashed into a Florida home last month came from the International Space Station, specifically a stanchion from the NASA flight support equipment used to mount batteries on a cargo pallet. The 1.6-pound metallic alloy piece survived re-entry and impacted the home. NASA plans to investigate why the batteries and pallet, which were expected to burn up in Earth's atmosphere, did not do so. The incident highlights the dangers of space junk, with Earth's orbit hosting thousands of pieces, and may have financial consequences for both NASA and the homeowner.

"Chinese Space Junk Creates Mysterious Light Show Over California"
science-and-technology1 year ago

"Chinese Space Junk Creates Mysterious Light Show Over California"

Mysterious streaks of light seen over California were identified as remnants of Chinese space junk, specifically the orbital module of China’s Shenzhou 15 spacecraft, re-entering the Earth's atmosphere. The debris, which had been in orbit for over a year after a mission to China’s Tiangong space station, caused a dazzling light show visible from Sacramento to San Diego. Initially mistaken for a meteor shower or UFOs, the spectacle was ultimately attributed to the re-entry of the space debris, captivating residents and sparking widespread speculation.

"Chinese Space Junk Creates Spectacular Fireball Over Southern California"
spacescience1 year ago

"Chinese Space Junk Creates Spectacular Fireball Over Southern California"

The U.S. Space Command confirmed that the fireball seen across Southern California was not a meteor, but the re-entry of a Chinese module used to launch astronauts in 2022. The module's heat shield burned away, giving it the appearance of a meteor shower, and it was expected to break up over the Pacific Ocean. This incident highlights the issue of space junk in low-Earth orbit, as the increasing number of satellites and defunct spacecraft pose a risk of collisions and contribute to the growing amount of debris orbiting Earth.

"Chinese Spacecraft Debris Creates Spectacular Fireball Show Over California Sky"
astronomyspace1 year ago

"Chinese Spacecraft Debris Creates Spectacular Fireball Show Over California Sky"

A large piece of Chinese space debris, the orbital module of China's Shenzhou 15 spacecraft, created a spectacular fireball as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere over Southern California, captivating observers and sparking curiosity and speculation. This event highlights the challenges and responsibilities associated with space exploration and the management of space debris, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in ensuring the long-term sustainability of outer space activities.

Retired ISS Batteries Reenter Earth's Atmosphere, Prompting Concern
spacescience2 years ago

Retired ISS Batteries Reenter Earth's Atmosphere, Prompting Concern

A pallet of used batteries from the International Space Station (ISS) is set to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere, with some parts likely to hit the ground. The re-entry is predicted to occur within a large area, making pinpointing the location difficult. The batteries, originally intended for disposal in an uninhabited area, were left over after a Soyuz failure in 2018 disrupted plans for their controlled re-entry. While the probability of the debris causing injuries is minimal, authorities have issued warnings, and the event is expected to bring about luminous phenomena and sonic booms.

"Early Demise: ERS-2 Satellite's Fiery Fall and Final Orbits Damage Revealed"
spacescience2 years ago

"Early Demise: ERS-2 Satellite's Fiery Fall and Final Orbits Damage Revealed"

The European Space Agency's ERS-2 satellite re-entered the Earth's atmosphere earlier than predicted, with images showing it breaking apart before anticipated. The satellite's final orbits were tracked by the Fraunhofer Institute using the Tracking and Imaging Radar, revealing the solar array coming loose from the spacecraft. This unexpected behavior complicates re-entry trajectory predictions and will aid in forecasting the fate of other aging satellites, as ESA prepares for the upcoming re-entry of the Cluster spacecraft.

"Out-of-Control Tesla-Sized Satellite Plunging to Earth This Week"
spacescience2 years ago

"Out-of-Control Tesla-Sized Satellite Plunging to Earth This Week"

The European Space Agency is preparing to crash the ERS-2 satellite, the size of a Tesla Model X, back to Earth this week after 29 years in orbit. The satellite, which has been studying sea temperatures and wind speeds, is expected to re-enter the atmosphere on Wednesday, but the exact timing is uncertain due to unpredictable solar activity. Most of the satellite is projected to burn up upon re-entry, posing minimal risk of debris reaching the ground or sea.