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NASA's Van Allen Probe A Returns After 14 Years

3/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

NASA's Van Allen Probe A (RBSP-A) returned to Earth on March 11, 2026 after nearly 14 years in space.
It splashed down in the eastern Pacific Ocean at 6:37 a.m. EDT.
NASA assessed the reentry risk as low, 1 in 4,200.
Probe A re-entered earlier than expected due to increased atmospheric drag from intense space weather events.
The mission studied Earth's radiation belts and revealed a transient third radiation belt.

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Story summary

NASA's Van Allen Probe A (RBSP-A) returned to Earth on March 11, 2026 after nearly 14 years in space.
It splashed down in the eastern Pacific Ocean at 6:37 a.m. EDT.
NASA assessed the reentry risk as low, 1 in 4,200.
Probe A re-entered earlier than expected due to increased atmospheric drag from intense space weather events.
The mission studied Earth's radiation belts and revealed a transient third radiation belt.