The satellite, which studied the absorption of solar energy, has returned to the atmosphere

Earth radiation budget satellite (ERBS). NASA, returned to Earth’s atmosphere during the early hours of Monday (9). According to the space agency, Re-entry It happened at 1:04 a.m. toward the Bering Sea, and much of her hull was expected to be burned.

ERBS was launched from the space shuttle Challenger in October 1984. Part of the Earth’s Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) mission, which includes three satellites, ERBS aims to study how Earth absorbs and radiates solar energy. The satellite also examined the planet’s stratosphere using the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II (SAGE II).

to update: @tweetThe retired Earth Radiation Budget satellite entered Earth’s atmosphere over the Bering Sea at 11:04 p.m. EDT Sunday. 8, f @tweet has been confirmed. https://t.co/j4MYQYwT7Z

– NASA Earth (@NASAEarth) January 9, 2023

SAGE II data confirmed that the fragile file Ozone Layer, which protects the surface of our planet, has been curtailed on a global scale. Thus, the data helped create the Montreal Protocol, an agreement signed by dozens of countries that dramatically reduced the use of chlorofluorocarbons, compounds capable of destroying them. Currently, SAGE III is active on the International Space Station, collecting data about the layer.

Originally, ERBS was designed to operate for only two years, but it remained active until 2005. During its activities, the satellite made observations that helped scientists measure the effects of human activity on the balance between The energy that our planet receives which was issued.

NASA announced last week that the satellite was nearing its end, when officials realized re-entry was certain. At the time, the agency said the risk of any wreckage surviving flight and hitting someone on the ground was about 1 in 9,400.

The success of the ERBE mission has helped NASA develop other projects, such as the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) instruments.

Source: NASA

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