MIAMI (EFE).- The Van Allen Probe A probe, which studied the Earth’s radiation belts, returned to the atmosphere undamaged 14 years after its launch.
From the understanding with the Space Force, the return was earlier “over the eastern Pacific Ocean region”, several years earlier than expected. “NASA hoped that most of the craft would disintegrate as it passed through the atmosphere, although some components may have been shielded,” the space agency described.
The ship, weighing approximately 600 kilograms, was more than an hour older than expected due to the intense activity of the current solar cycle.
In 2024, scientists confirmed that the solar maximum had increased, increasing atmospheric drag over the probe, which is closest to the original calculations. NASA did not inform humans of the damage to Earth on reentry.
On the other hand, the agency announced that it intends to launch the Artemis II mission into lunar orbit on April 1 after resolving the deficiencies that motivated its deployment in February and will consider issues in the flight preparation review.
“We’re on track for an April 1 launch and we’re working to get there,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Glaze.
Artemis II will carry four astronauts into lunar orbit, which will be the main pursuit of a human being on the moon in the Middle Ages. The boat’s move to the launch pad will be next June 19, Glaze added, a day after mission members begin a mandatory training period at the agency’s facilities in Houston.
NASA has also indicated that the general fuel test, usual before every launch, will not be carried out, so you will find it twice in February, with the intention of having “some life left” in the tanks.
Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will travel to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the launch on Sunday the 27th.
The mission was originally scheduled to deploy in February, but was interrupted by problems with the ship’s helium manager when it met at the launch site.
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