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3D PLUS has more than 210,000 microelectronics components in space, and more than 25 years of flight heritage with no reported failure. Our Flight Heritage is expanding continuously with products launched in Space every month in LEO, MEO and GEO orbits, for deep space exploration missions, for satellite constellation fleets, and for governmental missions in Europe, America, and Asia. Our Flagship missions include Mars 2020, Mars Science Laboratory, Rosetta, New Horizons, Juno, OneWeb, AlphaSat, Sentinel, Ariane 5, ISS, Parker Solar Probe, Insight, and many more.
Buc, France – Sept. 09, 2024 – . The reentry of Salsa Satellite on September 8 , 2024, is the bittersweet end of the Cluster II mission, which has significantly contributed to our understanding of the Earth’s magnetosphere for nearly a quarter of a century. Launched in 2000 by the European Space Agency (ESA), the Cluster II mission included four satellites—Salsa, Rumba, Tango, and Samba. Initially intended to last just two years, these satellites have far exceeded expectations, delivering invaluable scientific data for 24 years.
The uncontrolled ‘targeted reentry’ of Salsa not only marks the end of its mission but also heralds a new chapter in the study of satellite reentries and the management of space debris. The insights gained from this event will be crucial for future satellite missions and space sustainability efforts. It is expected that the remaining three satellites, Tango, Samba, and Rumba, will each return in the upcoming years.
Image: The first recorded observation of Salsa satellite reentry from a high-speed orbit, taken from a plane. Credits: ESA/ROSIE/University of Southern Queensland
For 3D PLUS, the end of the Cluster II mission holds special significance. This mission was among the first to feature our MCCS 640 Mb module, a System-in-Package (SiP) design created specifically for this project. We are immensely proud that our technology has demonstrated exceptional reliability and longevity, operating flawlessly for 24 years in the harsh environment of space. This accomplishment underscores the robustness and durability of 3D PLUS products, further solidifying our position as a trusted partner in the aerospace industry.
With great pleasure, we congratulate the European Space Agency and all participating teams on the mission’s successful completion, which included Salsa’s uncontrolled ‘targeted reentry’. The achievements of the Cluster II mission have paved the way for new explorations and discoveries, and we are honored to have been part of this groundbreaking endeavor.
As we reflect on the success of Cluster II, we remain committed to advancing space technology and continuing our legacy of innovation and excellence. Here’s to the next generation of missions and the ongoing exploration of the final frontier.
Image: (SiP) MCCS 640 Mb Credits: 3D PLUS
