First of Four Cluster Satellites to Safely Burn Up in Atmospheric Reentry

  • European Space Agency’s Salsa satellite successfully deorbited on September 8th
  • Salsa was one of four Cluster satellites launched in 2000 to monitor Earth’s magnetic field
  • Salsa’s controlled reentry over the South Pacific Ocean minimizes space debris and junk
  • ESA used a series of maneuvers to guide Salsa’s trajectory for safe reentry
  • Live aircraft recording captured satellite’s descent and gathered data on atmospheric drag

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Salsa satellite, one of four Cluster satellites launched in 2000 to monitor Earth’s magnetic field, successfully deorbited on September 8th. The controlled reentry over the South Pacific Ocean minimizes space debris and junk in Earth’s orbit. ESA used a series of maneuvers to guide Salsa’s trajectory for a safe descent, with live aircraft recording its final moments and gathering data on atmospheric drag. This marks the first of four Cluster satellites to deorbite; the remaining three will follow suit between 2025-2026.

Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about the Salsa satellite’s deorbiting process, its purpose, and the European Space Agency’s commitment to reducing space debris. It includes relevant details about the satellite’s mission, reentry preparations, and the potential benefits for future satellite deorbiting efforts.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant and informative content about the European Space Agency’s successful deorbiting of its Salsa satellite. It discusses the importance of minimizing space debris and the agency’s commitment to reducing threats from such debris. The information is supported by evidence and examples, and it stays on topic without diving into unrelated territories.
Public Companies: European Space Agency (ESA)
Key People: Rolf Densing (Director of Operations at ESA), Benjamin Bastida-Virgili (Space Debris Systems Engineer at ESA)


Financial Relevance: No
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the controlled reentry and deorbiting of the Salsa satellite operated by the European Space Agency. While it mentions a targeted reentry location to minimize space debris, there is no direct impact on financial markets or companies.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article. The de-orbiting of the Salsa satellite was a planned and controlled event, with minimal risk and impact.
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: All
Direction: Up
Magnitude: Small
Affected Instruments: Stocks

Reported publicly: www.space.com