After almost thirty years of orbiting the planet on its Earth-observing mission a European satellite went dead in September 2011. The satellite was launched into space in April 1995.

Later this month, the European Space Agency's (ESA) European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS-2) satellite will make a fiery return to Earth's atmosphere. 

The ESA passivated ERS-2 in 2011 by draining its batteries and fuel to reduce the risk of explosion and the creation of additional space debris. Despite these precautions, the satellite will now plunge back to Earth, contributing to the ongoing issue of space debris.

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European satellite returns home

To hasten its descent, the ESA conducted 66 engine burns to leave the satellite stranded in orbit, ensuring it would reenter Earth's atmosphere within 15 years. 

It is scheduled to make its descent in mid-February. The ESA is unable to dictate where the debris will land or whether it will completely disintegrate during reentry.

Weighing approximately 5,057 pounds (2,294 kg) without fuel, ERS-2 was hailed as Europe's most advanced Earth-observation spacecraft at its launch.

 Despite its mass, objects of similar size reenter the atmosphere on a regular basis. Notably, larger objects, such as China's Long March 5B rocket core stage, have concerned NASA and other space agencies. They are designed to make uncontrolled descents following each launch.

 The larger space debris has a higher risk of causing damage when it hits earth.

Unlike the rapid reentries of recent years, ERS-2's descent has unfolded gradually over the past 13 years. However, the satellite is now positioned low enough in orbit to be pulled into atmospheric drag rapidly, accelerating the reentry process.

As the satellite hurtles towards Earth, observers may have the opportunity to witness its fiery descent, although the likelihood of impact with populated areas is low, given Earth's predominantly oceanic surface.

The return of ERS-2 underscores the continued risks associated with space debris. And it is one more area where there is a pressing need for improved solutions to mitigate such hazards. 

There are risks with space debris hitting earth. The broader concerns within the aerospace community includes orbital debris management and space sustainability.