Star Wars enthusiasts have been buzzing on social media as a satellite resembling an Imperial TIE fighter hurtles towards Earth. The European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS-2) satellite, weighing 2.5 tonnes, is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere at 15:41 UTC today, February 21.

Having spent nearly three decades in space, the ERS-2 is predicted to disintegrate upon reaching an altitude of about 80 km. The European Space Agency (ESA) recently shared images of the satellite taken by Earth imaging spacecraft, sparking widespread comparisons to the iconic TIE fighter from the Star Wars saga.

Social media platforms erupted as fans marveled at the striking similarities between the doomed satellite and the iconic spacecraft from the film series. The trajectory of the ERS-2's descent may carry it over parts of North America and the Pacific Ocean, adding an element of fascination and anticipation to its final moments.

As the ERS-2 embarks on its fateful journey back to Earth, space enthusiasts and Star Wars fans alike are eagerly awaiting the satellite's fiery re-entry and breakup in the atmosphere later today.