ESA Achieves Historic Targeted Reentry of Cluster Satellite

First satellite in Cluster quartet reenters safely, marking a milestone in space debris mitigation and space weather research.

The European Space Agency successfully deorbited the Cluster 2 satellite, also known as Salsa, over the South Pacific Ocean.
This mission marks the first-ever targeted reentry, significantly reducing the risk of debris reaching populated areas.
Cluster's 24-year mission provided valuable data on the Sun's interaction with Earth's magnetic field, aiding space weather forecasting.
ESA's Zero Debris approach aims to achieve zero space debris by 2030, with more Cluster satellites set for controlled reentry.
Data from Salsa's reentry will enhance future satellite break-up models, improving the safety of deorbiting operations.