ESA Cluster Mission Ends: ESA’s Cluster satellites Samba (Aug. 31) and Tango (Sept. 1) have reentered over the South Pacific, wrapping 26 years of research on Earth’s magnetosphere and generating data meant to improve future, cleaner burn-up and reduce orbital-debris risks. BepiColombo Milestone: The BepiColombo probe successfully detached from its Mercury Transfer Module after an eight-year, 5+ billion-mile journey; the two orbiters are still set to enter Mercury orbit on Nov. 21, with science starting in April 2027. Kourou Watch — Weather From Space: A new European weather satellite, MTG-I2, launched from French Guiana and is expected to become fully operational for European services in 2027, sending images every 2.5 minutes to sharpen short-term forecasts and warnings. Kourou Watch — Plant Stress From Space: On Sept. 15, an ESA mission from South America aims to launch the first space instrument designed to detect photosynthesis and plant stress early, improving drought and heat-risk monitoring. Launch Industry Pressure: German startup Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum rocket scrubbed again in Norway without an official explanation, as multiple commercial deadlines converge. Funding Boost for PLD Space: Spain’s PLD Space extended its Series C by €108M to €288M total, led by Mitsubishi Electric, to scale MIURA 5 production. Travel Advisory Update: The U.S. updated its Level 2 travel advisory for Brazil, warning Americans to exercise increased caution amid crime and noting special border-travel authorization rules affecting French Guiana. French Election Timing: A guide to France’s 2027 presidential election notes overseas territories including French Guiana vote on the preceding Saturday.