European Space Agency’s Cluster quartet returned safely to Earth last night
Sunday night, the first satellite of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Cluster quartet safely returned to Earth in what is being called the world’s first ‘targeted reentry’, bringing a magnificent end to this mission.
“During the last two decades Cluster has spent in space, it has provided invaluable data on how the Sun interacts with Earth’s magnetic field, helping us better understand and forecast space weather. With this first-ever targeted reentry, Cluster will go down in history for a second reason – helping ESA become a world-leader in sustainable space exploration.” -ESA
The spacecraft ‘Salsa’ (Cluster 2) re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere at 20:47 CEST on 8th September over the South Pacific Ocean.
Aerospace Bristol is proud to highlight that the Attitude and Orbit Control, and the Reaction Control, Subsystems were by BAe/Matra Marconi Space of Filton, Bristol. This hardware and software were key in keeping the spacecraft in position, pointing in the direction and of Salsa’s final descent that was completed last night.
Retired Systems Assembly and Test Manager and Aerospace Bristol volunteer, Terry Ransome said: “An incredible project from start to finish! A tribute to the teams of scientists and engineers from across Europe who recovered with resolve from the horror of seeing their first four Cluster spacecraft destroyed when the launch vehicle exploded - to build, test and launch a replacement set.”
Read the full news story by the ESA | Watch a video about the targeted reentry.
Three clusters in final preparation at Daimler-Chrysler Aerospace, Germany (early 2000)
One cluster in final preparation at Daimler-Chrysler Aerospace, Germany (early 2000)
