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NASA's Van Allen Probe A Re-enters Early Amid Solar Surge

3/14/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

NASA announced that Van Allen Probe A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on Wednesday at 6:37 a.m. EDT in 2026.
The spacecraft weighed over 1,300 pounds and was expected to burn up with a low risk of debris.
The re-entry occurred earlier than expected due to increased solar activity affecting atmospheric drag.
Van Allen Probe B will remain in orbit until after 2030.

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Story summary

NASA announced that Van Allen Probe A re-entered Earth's atmosphere on Wednesday at 6:37 a.m. EDT in 2026.
The spacecraft weighed over 1,300 pounds and was expected to burn up with a low risk of debris.
The re-entry occurred earlier than expected due to increased solar activity affecting atmospheric drag.
Van Allen Probe B will remain in orbit until after 2030.