NASA’s ERBS satellite (Earth Radiation Balance Satellite) has returned to the mainland after nearly four decades orbiting our planet. It was on January 8 when the ERBS re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere, at exactly 11:04 p.m. (local time). A) Yes, the US space agency closes an era of space exploration with a flourishwhile it is renewing its satellites with modern copies and with the latest technology.
For its part, the ERBS kept its exploration functions active during its first 21 years in orbit, being its release in October 1984. During that time, he devoted himself to investigating how the Earth absorbs and emits radiation from the Sun. In addition, he also compiled and carried out measurements of stratospheric ozone, water vapor, nitrogen dioxide, and aerosols.
Now, the Department of Defense of the United States has confirmed that the satellite of approximately 2,450 kilos has entered the Earth’s atmosphere, over the Bering Sea. NASA expected that much of the body would burn up from atmospheric friction, with some components as sole survivors. Well, it seems that it has been, and part of this satellite could be used in other future projects.
NASA’s ERBS satellite marked a brilliant time for the exploration of our planet
Hundreds or thousands of kilometers above our heads, thousands of satellites collect information at all times about various activities on our planet. Whether natural or created by us, this allows us to understand how our planet acts on a much larger scale.
For this, in 1984 a series of satellites was launched, forming the ERBE mission. Of course, the ERBS was part of the latter, and He had three instruments with him. to measure the radiative energy of the Earth and stratospheric components, including the worrisome ozone.
ERBS was expected to have a useful life of two years, but the satellite more than fulfilled its operation. In fact, it was in action for 21 years, actively studying Earth’s interaction with various elements in space. It was in 2005 when NASA decided to withdraw it permanently.
Today, NASA continues to rely on the research recorded by its ERBE mission. Even the CERES (Cloud and Earth Radiant Energy System) series of satellite instruments is directly based on what was collected by ERBS and its other mission partners.
Finally, why is the study of this information so important? As NASA explains in its official Web, the absorption and emission of solar energy “is an important indicator of the health of the climate, and knowing it can also help reveal weather patterns.” Meanwhile, ozone concentrations in the stratosphere play an essential role in protecting the Earth and its inhabitants from ultraviolet radiation.