Translational energy spectroscopy has been used to study state selective electron capture by slow S²⁺ ions from a recoil ion source. These ions are important in some astrophysical plasmas. Measurements in both atomic and molecular hydrogen have been carried out in the impact energy range 2-8 keV. The main excited product channels have been identified and their relative importance has been assessed. In the case of S²⁺-H collisions, the authors' observation of strong exothermic and endothermic channels is at variance with the very small total electron capture cross sections predicted by Landau-Zener calculations.