Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/21644447 (231744ZSEP24) Notable: NASA/Space/Science
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>>230458
Last signal received
The final signal from the spacecraft was received on 12 September, just before the onboard transmitter, which communicates with ground control, was completely switched off.
The passivation process involved minimising the stored energy on the spacecraft – which included discharging its battery – and actively shutting down all powered systems where possible.
The spacecraft was also configured so that none of the deactivated systems could be automatically reactivated.
Following passivation, the spacecraft became what is known as a ‘ballistic’ object, meaning it is no longer controlled by itself or ground teams.
Due to its size and expected orientation, the spacecraft can be accurately tracked by the US and EU Space Object Tracking Networks, allowing for precise predictions of its orbital decay and trajectory.
Spacecraft operators (including ESA’s own Space Debris Office) keep track of such objects so as to safely perform avoidance manoeuvres with their satellites.
The spacecraft is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere in 24 years, though this estimate carries some uncertainty due to factors like solar activity, which affects atmospheric drag.
Invaluable data
Sentinel-1B has generated a unique data collection that is being used daily by thousands of users across the world. The data remains available online on the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem and will continue contributing to a better understanding of Earth.
The Sentinel-1C satellite, scheduled for launch at the end of 2024 on a Vega-C rocket, will replace the Sentinel-1B satellite, ensuring continuity of data for Sentinel services and applications.
Together with Sentinel-1D, it will extend tPost too long. Click here to view the full text.
