An out-of-control satellite is hurtling towards Earth, nearly three decades after it first launched.
The ERS-2 satellite, which served as an observation platform, is expected to enter the Earth’s atmosphere at some point on Wednesday.
The European Space Agency (ESA) said the risks associated with the two-tonne satellite are “very low”, however there is still a chance that fragments could hit populated areas.
Mirko Albani from ESA’s Earth Observation Ground Segment Department said: “It’s worth highlighting that none of the elements that might re-enter the atmosphere (and reach the surface) are radioactive or toxic.”
The predicted time for the satellite entering the Earth’s atmosphere is currently 4.32pm (GMT) on Wednesday, however a window of uncertainty means it could fall any time between midday and 9pm.
You can follow all the latest news, updates and developments of the ERS-2 satellite as it heads towards Earth in our live blog below.
