After nearly a quarter of a century in space, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) groundbreaking Cluster mission is nearing its conclusion with a fiery end on Earth.
The mission, which has been instrumental in unraveling the mysteries of Earth’s magnetic shield, is set to see its first satellite, Salsa, make a controlled descent into Earth’s atmosphere over the South Pacific.
The spacecraft will re-enter and burn up in Earth’s atmosphere in September 2024
Launched in pairs in July and August 2000 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, the four spacecraft — Salsa, Rumba, Samba, and Tango — have been flying in formation, providing unprecedented three-dimensional insights into how the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere.
This interaction is crucial for understanding space weather, which can have significant impacts on satellite communications, power grids, and other critical infrastructure on Earth.
The Cluster mission was initially expected to last just two years, but it has defied expectations by continuing to deliver valuable scientific data for almost 24 years.
Throughout its extended mission, Cluster has successfully navigated more than 1,000 eclipses and overcome numerous technical challenges, such as operating without functioning batteries.
As the mission approaches its end, the focus shifts to the safe reentry of the satellite. Operators have meticulously planned the descent of Salsa to ensure it occurs over an uninhabited area, minimizing any potential risk.
This event will also provide researchers with a unique opportunity to study the atmospheric reentry of identical satellites under varying conditions.
Cluster’s longevity and success are reflected in the wealth of knowledge it has contributed to the scientific community. With over 3,200 scientific papers published, the mission has significantly advanced the understanding of the Sun-Earth connection and the dynamic processes within the magnetosphere.
Shambhu Kumar is a science communicator, making complex scientific topics accessible to all. His articles explore breakthroughs in various scientific disciplines, from space exploration to cutting-edge research.
