A satellite weighing 1,360 kilograms is scheduled to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and could potentially make an impact with the planet in the near future. Known as Aeolus, this spacecraft is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Earth Explorer research mission and was launched in August 2018. To ensure the safe return of Aeolus to Earth, while minimizing any harm to the planet’s inhabitants, ESA is planning a controlled descent, gradually lowering the satellite to an altitude of 150 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. Once it reaches this point, the satellite will undergo controlled burning as it descends further to approximately 80 kilometers above the surface.
Aeolus finds itself depleting its fuel, and its inevitable fate draws near. Consequently, scientists have initiated a specialized mode for the spacecraft to execute its end-of-life activities. Furthermore, ESA’s spacecraft operators have meticulously ensured that sufficient fuel remains, enabling Aeolus to undertake its final maneuvers, guiding the craft back towards Earth’s atmosphere.
Where does ESA intend for the satellite to make its descent?
ESA aspires to gracefully lower Aeolus in such a manner that it gracefully descends into the ocean, thereby minimizing the possibility of its fragments causing harm to living beings on Earth’s surface.
This endeavor marks the maiden attempt at an assisted re-entry of a spacecraft. Should Aeolus safely return to Earth, it shall establish a remarkable precedent for similar missions in the times to come.
Where can we presently locate Aeolus?
Aeolus currently orbits at an altitude of 320 kilometers, and given its negligible fuel reserves, it will soon cascade through Earth’s atmosphere.
According to ESA’s statement on its website, the Sun is expediting Aeolus’ homecoming to Earth.
This phenomenon occurs due to the solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and radiation released by the Sun, which elevate the density of Earth’s atmosphere when they interact with the planet. Consequently, satellites orbiting Earth must expend even more fuel to maintain their trajectory amidst the intense solar activities. As a result, Aeolus had to counteract these potent solar forces, braving against the winds to withstand such demanding circumstances.
On April 30, 2023, the Aeolus mission concluded its journey. Although the spacecraft was originally launched for a three-year mission, Aeolus outperformed expectations by functioning in space for an additional 18 months.
Aeolus was equipped with a wind-mapping laser that significantly enhanced global weather forecasts. The ESA has confirmed that the laser continues to operate with utmost efficiency.
Aeolus will naturally descend from its current altitude of 320 kilometers to 280 kilometres. After it reaches an altitude of 280 kilometers, ESA’s mission control centre in Germany will gradually lower the spacecraft to 150 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
The degree to which solar activity expedites the spacecraft’s descent shall ascertain the ultimate date of its arrival on Earth. The European Space Agency (ESA) anticipates Aeolus to make its Earthly rendezvous by the conclusion of August.
The space agency is diligently working to ensure that Aeolus is oriented in a trajectory that shall lead the spacecraft to descend upon the oceanic waters upon re-entry. This meticulous positioning aims to minimize the quantity of debris that might fall on terrestrial landmasses.
Should the assisted re-entry prove successful, it would pave the way for mitigating space debris and ensuring the safe return of other spacecraft whose operational life has reached its conclusion, back to Earth.
