The 3 satellites that comprise Swarm were successfully launched.
News story http://www.nbcnews.com/science/swarm-satellites-go-orbit-probe-magnetic-mystery-2D11642031 (link will probably be short lived)
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swarm_(spacecraft)
ESA http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/The_Living_Planet_Programme/Earth_Explorers/Swarm/ESA_s_magnetic_field_mission_Swarm
Going into space to learn about the insides of Earth - fascinating!
One of "key" instruments on board is micro-accelerometer ACC (MAC-04) measuring non gravitational perturbing accelerations (air drag, winds, Earth albedo).
It was made in Czech and just two days ago they were powered up, unlocked and tested - they survived launch and meneuvering in perfect condition on all three satelites - Yes! ... BIG relief for czech team and our local kosmo-gang
... sorry guys, I couldn't resist.
Many mission details including instrumentation in case someone's interested: https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/s/swarm
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)