Cluster’s encore for reentry science a success

4 septembre 2026 Cluster's encore for reentry science a success

The LTE participated in an airborne observation mission of the atmospheric reentry of the two ESA satellites, “Cluster 3 – Samba” and “Cluster 4 – Tango,” on September 1 and 2, 2026. Although complex, the observations were conducted under nominal conditions, and all 30 onboard instruments recorded scientific data useful for understanding the disintegration of artificial satellites in our atmosphere. This topic is becoming increasingly important every day due to the growing number of launches. Using the collected data, ESA aims to improve its understanding of atmospheric re-entry and better predict the distribution and disintegration of debris.

“The image shows Cluster 4’s reentry into the atmosphere in black-and-white or in blue false color to indicate that this was a daytime observation. That said, the infrared camera detects colors that the human eye cannot see. Several fragments of the satellite can be seen disintegrating in the image.”
J. Vaubaillon, LTE - Observatoire de Paris, ESA.

The mission required the joint efforts of researchers, industry partners, and space agencies : ESA (space agency), Astros Solution, Zafiro Systems, Falcon Air (industry partners), IRS/Hefdig (Germany), Comenius University (Slovakia), the University of Southern Queensland (Australia), and the Paris Observatory.

Thirty scientific instruments were installed aboard a Dassault Falcon 900 (Falcon Air). The controlled atmospheric re-entries of artificial satellites took place in the South Pacific. The team prepared in Sydney and deployed to the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga. The observations took place around noon local time.

In partnership with ONERA, the Paris Observatory (LTE/LIRA/UFE) deployed a cooled infrared camera specifically for this event. The LTE has extensive experience in atmospheric observations of natural and artificial meteors. The LIRA and UFE provided the camera and the acquisition software.

Learn More :

Press Release : https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Space_Debris/Cluster_s_encore_for_reentry_science_a_success

Blog : https://blogs.esa.int/rocketscience/2026/08/30/final-cluster-reentries-live-blog/

Operations : https://x.com/esaoperations/status/2093315827462226336?s=48

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