After three decades in orbit, a pioneering Earth observation satellite has returned home

The European Space Agency's ERS-2 satellite has completed its mission, reentering Earth's atmosphere over the North Pacific. This event marks the end of a nearly 30-year journey that fundamentally changed how we monitor our planet's climate and environmental systems.

Launched on 21 April 1995, ERS-2 spent nearly three decades collecting critical data on ozone levels, polar ice, and ocean temperatures. By working alongside its predecessor, ERS-1, it helped establish the foundation for modern Earth observation satellites.

To ensure a safe conclusion, ESA depleted the satellite's fuel and batteries, lowering its altitude from 785 km to 573 km to minimize collision risks. The final descent was a natural reentry driven by atmospheric drag. This mission now informs ESA's Zero Debris Approach and Clean Space initiative, which aim to improve the sustainability of future orbital activities.

Source: ESA satellite returns to Earth