After 14 years in orbit, NASA’s Van Allen Probe A re-entered Earth’s atmosphere and fell into the Pacific Ocean on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The probe’s return marks the end of a remarkably long mission that provided unprecedented data about Earth’s radiation belts – a critical area of study for protecting satellites and astronauts.
The U.S. Space Force confirmed the spacecraft’s re-entry over the eastern Pacific Ocean region, according to a statement from NASA. While most of the probe was expected to burn up during its descent, some components may have survived the re-entry process.
Após 14 anos no espaço, satélite da NASA com 600 quilos volta à Terra — e não se sabe onde vai cair
Launched on August 30, 2012, the Van Allen Probe A, along with its twin Van Allen Probe B, was initially designed for a two-year mission. The probes were tasked with studying the Van Allen belts, rings of charged particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field. Understanding these belts is crucial, as they shield the planet from harmful cosmic radiation, solar storms, and solar wind that can damage technology and pose risks to humans.
Over nearly seven years, the probes gathered “unprecedented data” on Earth’s two permanent radiation belts, named after scientist James Van Allen. NASA ended the mission in 2019 when both spacecraft ran out of fuel and lost the ability to orient themselves toward the sun. The data collected continues to inform our understanding of space weather and its impact on critical infrastructure.
One key discovery made by the Van Allen Probes was the existence of a third, transient radiation belt that can form during periods of intense solar activity. According to NASA, scientists continue to analyze archived data from the mission to study the radiation belts and predict the effects of solar activity on satellites, astronauts, and terrestrial systems like communications, navigation, and power grids.
NASA originally estimated the probe would re-enter Earth’s atmosphere around 2034. However, the current, more active solar cycle increased atmospheric drag on the spacecraft, accelerating its descent. The twin probe, Van Allen Probe B, is currently expected to re-enter the atmosphere in 2030.
