Salsa’s final bow: European satellite set for a fiery return to Earth

An artist’s impression of ESA satellite Salsa re-entering Earth after 24 years in space (ESA/David Ducross)

A European satellite which UK scientists helped build is set to make a fiery return to Earth after spending nearly quarter of a century in space.

Salsa is the first of four European Space Agency (ESA) spacecraft to take a bow, with re-entry expected to take place on Sunday at around 1948 UK time.