"Aeolus Mission Control Faces Intense Simulation of Return"

The European Space Agency (ESA) is conducting simulations at its Main Control Room to prepare for the assisted return of the Aeolus satellite through Earth's atmosphere. The mission control team is targeting the satellite's reentry towards the ocean to minimize risk. The simulations aim to anticipate various scenarios and ensure a successful reentry. The reentry comes with uncertainties due to high levels of solar activity, which affect the thickness of the atmosphere and speed up Aeolus's return. The mission, originally designed as a demonstrator, has been challenging but has revolutionized wind profiling and weather models.