United States: The Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS), which was put into orbit to measure the Earth’s radiation energy budget, is due to fall from space.
The retired spacecraft is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in the early hours of January 9.
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According to the US Department of Defense, the satellite will re-enter the atmosphere on January 9 at around 18:40 EST (5:10 AM), with a +/- 17 hour uncertainty.
According to a NASA statement, “Scientists say the satellite will begin to burn up as it travels through the atmosphere, but some parts should survive re-entry. On Earth, there is an extremely low probability of danger of 1 in 9,400 people.
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As part of its ongoing study of how Earth absorbs and emits energy from the sun, ERBS also measures stratospheric ozone, water vapor, nitrogen dioxide and aerosols.
On October 5, 1984, it was launched into low Earth orbit as part of NASA’s three-satellite Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) program.
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The spacecraft consisted of three sensors: two to study Earth’s radiative energy balance and one to measure ozone and other stratospheric elements.
NASA claims that “ERBS operated well beyond its intended two-year operational life, retiring in 2005. Through its observations, researchers were able to assess the effects of human activities on Earth’s radiation balance.”
“NASA has continued to build on the success of the ERBE mission with efforts such as the current suite of Cloud and Earth Radiant Energy System (CERES) satellite experiments,” he added.
The information gathered by the spacecraft was used to develop the global Montreal Protocol agreement, which led to a sharp decline in the use of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons worldwide.
The information gathered by the spacecraft was used to help develop the global agreement on the Montreal Protocol, which led to a dramatic reduction in the use of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons worldwide.
Also read: Mars dust storm poses no threat to Perseverance rock samples, NASA says
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Graduated in mechanical engineering, writes on science, technology and sports, teaches physics and mathematics, also plays professional cricket and is passionate about bodybuilding.
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