Assisting reentry for Aeolus

Surpassing scientific expectations and exceeding its planned life in orbit, the Aeolus wind mission has been hailed as one of ESA’s most successful Earth observation missions. At the end of its life in orbit and with fuel depleted, ESA’s mission control team attempted a first-of-its-kind reentry to guide this remarkable satellite down to Earth’s atmosphere for a safe reentry.

This assisted reentry is one just part of ESA’s wider commitment to the long-term safety and sustainability of space activities. By 2030, all ESA missions will be ‘debris neutral’ – the Agency is making sure the technology is ready not just for present-day regulations, but to make possible even more ambitious rules for the future.

Read full story: Aeolus: a historic end to a trailblazing mission