Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2011/10/26/rosat_bay_of_bengal/
Rosat dropped over the Bay of Bengal: DLR
Unknown how much survived the burn
Posted in Science, 26th October 2011 21:30 GMT
DLR, the German space agency, has stated that Rosat, the scientific satellite that re-entered the atmosphere on October 23, made its re-entry over the Bay of Bengal.
While the agency had earlier stated there was a risk that some of the satellite could survive re-entry, in particular its mirror which was protected against extremes of heat, it is unsure as to whether any parts of the satellite reached the Earth’s surface.
The DLR states that the final re-entry of the satellite took place at 1.50am GMT on Saturday.
By October 20, Rosat already looks hot. Source: DLR
The agency has also published radar images of the satellite earlier in its decaying orbit, taken from a German station. One of them, from October 14, identifies the satellite’s solar panels and body; by October 20, the satellite appears to be skimming the atmosphere, heating up, and shedding material.
According to the BBC, there had been concern at the path the satellite was following on its re-entry, with the Chinese cities of Chongqing and Chengdu identified as possible impact sites. ®