NASA's Van Allen Probe A to Re-enter Atmosphere: Low Risk of Debris Impact

Decommissioned Van Allen Probe A is expected to mostly incinerate upon re-entry, though some fragments may survive. (Credit: / nasa.gov)

A 600kg NASA satellite is expected to plummet to Earth on Tuesday evening, sparking a warning from space experts about potential debris. However, officials stress that the risk of it hitting anyone remains slim.

Military forecasts from Monday suggest most of the the Van Allen Probe A, which has studied radiation belts for over a decade, will incinerate upon re-entry, though some fragments are likely to survive the heat.