ESA’s Salsa Satellite Set for Fiery Re-Entry After 24 Years
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Salsa satellite, a crucial part of the Cluster mission, is set to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere on September 8, 2024. This re-entry marks the end of a 24-year mission that has provided invaluable data on Earth’s magnetic shield and its interactions with the sun.
Mission Overview
Launched in 2000, ESA’s Salsa Satellite was one of four satellites in the Cluster mission. The mission aimed to study the sun-Earth connection, focusing on how the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere. Originally planned to last just two years, the mission extended to nearly 24 years, demonstrating the satellite’s robust design and the dedication of the ESA team. Over its extended lifespan, the Cluster mission, including ESA’s Salsa Satellite, contributed to over 3,200 scientific papers, offering deep insights into space weather, the magnetosphere, and solar influences on Earth.
Controlled Re-Entry Plan
On September 8, Satellite will make a controlled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, descending over the remote South Pacific Ocean. This controlled approach minimizes the risk to populated areas, ensuring that any surviving fragments fall harmlessly into the ocean. The satellite will descend from an altitude of around 110 kilometers to 80 kilometers, where it will burn up during re-entry.
Data Collection During Re-Entry
In a unique move, scientists will attempt to gather rare data on how and when ESA’s Salsa Satellite breaks apart during re-entry. This information will be valuable for making future satellite re-entries safer and more sustainable. The re-entry of ESA’s Salsa Satellite provides a rare opportunity to study these final moments in detail, which could lead to improved safety measures in space missions.
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End of an Era and Future Plans
ESA’s Salsa Satellite is the first of the four Cluster satellites to re-enter. After its fiery descent, the remaining satellites—Rumba, Tango, and Samba—will enter a “caretaker” phase. Each will re-enter under different conditions, providing scientists with additional data. Rumba is scheduled for a controlled re-entry in November 2025, with Samba and Tango to follow in 2026.
The Cluster mission, and specifically ESA’s Salsa Satellite, has far exceeded its expected lifespan, offering a wealth of scientific knowledge. Its re-entry symbolizes the end of a significant chapter in space exploration, while also paving the way for future missions with improved safety and precision.
