Old NASA satellite falls harmlessly from sky off Alaska | Tech News

Old NASA satellite falls harmlessly from sky off Alaska

After almost 40 years circling Earth, a retired NASA science satellite plunged harmlessly through the atmosphere off the coast of Alaska, NASA reported Monday.

By:AP
| Updated on: Jan 10 2023, 07:00 IST
5 Best International Space Station photos from 2022! Awesome year end gift by NASA
NASA satellite
1/6 NASA uploaded a video with a montage of images on the Johnson YouTube channel which showcased the best moments aboard the International Space Station in 2022. Check them out. (Bloomberg)
image caption
2/6 In this image, NASA astronaut Bob Hines is working with GRASP instruments to help researchers understand microgravity movements as he performs various tasks. (NASA Johnson YouTube)
image caption
3/6 Showcasing the advanced research taking place on ISS, this image showcases the XROOTS investigation conducted by NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins. The research uses hydroponic and aeroponic techniques instead of soil to grow plants. (NASA Johnson YouTube)
image caption
4/6 This image shows the Expedition 86 crew members during a conference with mission control on Earth. (NASA Johnson YouTube)
image caption
5/6 Astronauts Thomas Marshburn and Mark Vande Hei take a peek at the Earth passing below them through the ISS cupola windows.  (NASA Johnson YouTube)
image caption
6/6 The final image is of the Carrizozo Malpais, a long strip of basalt which is located in the desert of New Mexico. This strip was formed after decades of eruption in the region.  (NASA Johnson YouTube )
NASA satellite
icon View all Images
Earth Radiation Budget Satellite, a retired NASA budget satellite placed in orbit in 1984, fell harmlessly into Alaska. (AP)

After almost 40 years circling Earth, a retired NASA science satellite plunged harmlessly through the atmosphere off the coast of Alaska, NASA reported Monday.

The Defense Department confirmed that the satellite — placed in orbit in 1984 by astronaut Sally Ride — reentered late Sunday night over the Bering Sea, a few hundred miles from Alaska. NASA said it's received no reports of injury or damage from falling debris.

Late last week, NASA said it expected most of the 5,400-pound (2,450-kilogram) Earth Radiation Budget Satellite to burn up in the atmosphere, but that some pieces might survive. The space agency put the odds of falling debris injuring someone at 1-in-9,400.

Also read
Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here.

Space shuttle Challenger carried the satellite into orbit and the first American woman in space set it free. The satellite measured ozone in the atmosphere and studied how Earth absorbed and radiated energy from the sun, before being retired in 2005, well beyond its expected working lifetime.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. For our latest videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

First Published Date: 10 Jan, 06:59 IST
Tags:
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS