Prepare to launch the Swarm earth exploration satellite

On Tuesday, one of the first three Swarm satellites designed for the research mission of the Earth magnetic field was transported from Munich airport to the Plesetsk space airport, 200km south of Arkhangelsk, Russia . 3 satellites will be gathered together with 60 tons of supporting equipment before being launched into polar orbit in November.

We all know that the Earth possesses magnetic fields, protects the planet from cosmic rays, maintains the atmosphere by preventing solar wind. However, the Earth's magnetic field is not simple, but it is very dynamic and greatly affects the rotation of the molten material inside the planet core.

All phenomena related to magnetic fields create a complex shape of magnetic field lines. At the north pole, the magnetic poles often change and even reverse. Magnetism is not just a field of study. Geomagnetic breakage can affect animal orientation, animal migration, electrical networks, communications and computers.

Swarm is loaded onto transport aircraft Ilyushin-76

Swarm satellites will help scientists solve the remaining problems about the Earth's magnetic field. Made by Astrium - a subsidiary of the European aerospace and defense group (EADS), 3 Swarm satellites are part of the Living Planet program initiated by ESA and the result after more than 30 years Astrium research on deep space magnetic field.

3 uninfected satellites will be launched into 2 polar orbits, of which 2 satellites will fly together at a height of 450km and the remaining satellites fly at 520km altitude. The goal of set 3 is to collect the most accurate geomagnetic data.

Each satellite is equipped with an absolute scalar magnetometer (Absolute Scalar Magnetometor), a vector magnetometer, an electric field probe, an accelerometer, a laser reflector, a tracking system. stars and a GPS receiver. Working in combination with accurate navigation data, 3 satellites will be able to perform high-resolution measurements of the intensity, direction and variation of the geomagnetic field as well as distinguish multiple sources from different walls.

Scientists hope that these measurements will not only help them create better models of magnetic fields but also improve positioning on the Earth, weather forecasts, support for mineral exploration. , revealing more about the structure inside the Earth and providing better early warning of dangerous solar storms.