Van Allen Probes

Technology

Last mentioned: Mar 12, 2026

Timeline

Mar 12, 2026
Atmospheric Re-entry

The satellite re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 13.5 years in space.
Jul 19, 2019
Decommissioning Begins

NASA begins lowering the orbit of Probe B as fuel reserves deplete.
Feb 1, 2013
Major Discovery

NASA announces the discovery of a third radiation belt using probe data.
Aug 30, 2012
Mission Launch

Twin Radiation Belt Storm Probes launch from Cape Canaveral.

Stories mentioning Van Allen Probes 1

NASA Van Allen Probe Re-enters Atmosphere After 14-Year Orbital Mission

A NASA satellite from the Van Allen Probes mission has re-entered Earth's atmosphere, concluding a nearly 14-year journey that began in 2012. The re-entry marks the final phase of a mission that provided critical data on the hazardous radiation belts surrounding our planet.

Mar 12, 2026 4 sources