The European Space Agency released radar images from the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany showing the final orbits of the decommissioned ERS-2 satellite before reentry.
The images from the Tracking and Imaging Radar (TIRA) show the shape of the satellite against a black background, with one solar array appearing buckled.
This damage to the solar array occurred earlier than expected, which could impact how spacecraft interact with the atmosphere during reentry.
Precise data on the reentry is being assessed to determine if the early damage was related to the satellite’s slightly later than predicted reentry trajectory.
Understanding how spacecraft structures behave late in orbit could help improve forecasting of natural reentries.
ERS-2 underwent a controlled, unpowered reentry over the Pacific Ocean in February 2022 after nearly 29 years in orbit since its 1995 launch.
Source: Space
