After 21 years, a defunct NASA spacecraft returns to Earth.

April 19, 2023



(CNN) βΈ»

NASA's Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) spacecraft is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere Wednesday at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET. The 660-pound spacecraft is expected to burn up as it travels through the atmosphere, but some components are expected to survive. The risk of harm coming to anyone on Earth as a result of RHESSI's return is low - approximately 1 in 2,467. The spacecraft was equipped with an imaging spectrometer that recorded the sun's X-rays and gamma rays, and data from the spacecraft provided vital clues about the phenomena and their associated coronal mass ejections.

RHESSI documented the huge range in solar flare size, from tiny nanoflares to massive superflares that were tens of thousands of times bigger and more explosive. NASA and the Department of Defense will monitor the satellite's reentry into Earth's atmosphere.

Nasa

Comments

Related news


After Erdogan fails to win outright, Turkey faces a historic runoff election.

Read more

The state of California's drought after an epic winter, with record snowpack and nearly full reservoirs.

Read more

Iraq's future is unclear 20 years after American invasion because of its battle scars.

Read more

After a wave of strikes, garbage is all over the streets of Paris.

Read more

RNA compound and vitamin B3 found in samples from near-Earth asteroid

Read more

Residents in Philadelphia panicked and purchased water after learning of a chemical spill, but officials say tap water is safe for the time being.

Read more

The Taliban accomplished what America couldn't in 20 years, causing fresh apprehension.

Read more

After a surprising transfer, Tuchel is prepared for a challenging start at Bayern.

Read more

Days after Kim Jong Un's 'guided missile' launch, the South Korean military shoots warning shots at a North Korean patrol boat.

Read more

A "zombie" virus that was frozen in permafrost for 48,500 years has been awakened by scientists.

Read more