Old NASA Science Satellite Plunges Back to Earth

The Van Allen Probe A spacecraft reentered the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The U.S. Space Force reported that the Van Allen Probe A, an old NASA science satellite, plunged uncontrolled from orbit and reentered the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean west of the Galapagos Islands on Wednesday. NASA expected some of the 1,323-pound spacecraft to survive entry, with most of it burning up in the atmosphere.

Why it matters

The Van Allen Probe A and its twin, the Van Allen Probe B, were launched in 2012 to study the Van Allen radiation belts surrounding the Earth. While the B probe is still orbiting, the A probe's uncontrolled reentry highlights the challenges of managing aging satellites and the risks posed by space debris.

The details

The Van Allen Probe A spacecraft was launched in 2012 and operated for seven years before ceasing operations in 2019 when it ran out of fuel. NASA had anticipated the probes remaining in orbit until 2034, but intense solar activity over the past several years hastened the A probe's demise. The U.S. Space Force reported that the 1,323-pound spacecraft reentered the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean west of the Galapagos Islands.

  • The Van Allen Probe A spacecraft was launched in 2012.
  • The Van Allen Probe A operated for seven years before ceasing operations in 2019.
  • The Van Allen Probe A reentered the atmosphere on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Van Allen Probe A

An old NASA science satellite that plunged uncontrolled from orbit and reentered the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean.

Van Allen Probe B

The twin spacecraft of the Van Allen Probe A, which is still orbiting Earth but no longer functioning.

NASA

The U.S. space agency that launched the Van Allen Probe A and B satellites in 2012 to study the Van Allen radiation belts surrounding the Earth.

U.S. Space Force

The military branch that reported the uncontrolled reentry of the Van Allen Probe A spacecraft.

Marco Langbroek

A Dutch scientist who commented that all re-entries are difficult to predict, especially for the Van Allen Probe A given its eccentric, lopsided orbit.

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What they’re saying

“All re-entries are difficult to predict, but this one was especially challenging given its eccentric, lopsided orbit.”

— Marco Langbroek, Dutch scientist

The takeaway

The uncontrolled reentry of the Van Allen Probe A highlights the ongoing challenges of managing aging satellites and the risks posed by space debris, as well as the importance of continued research and monitoring of the Van Allen radiation belts surrounding the Earth.