SWARM : building Europe's magnetic mission

Date: Tue, Sep 10, 2013 | 06:30 - 06:45 GMT | 08:30 - 08:45 CEST

Replay: Tue, Sep 10, 2013 | 15:00 - 15:15 GMT | 17:00 - 17:15 CEST

Type: ESA TV Exchange

Format: 16:9

Europe’s fourth Earth Explorer mission, Swarm, is due for launch in the coming months and will produce the most accurate map ever made of our planet’s magnetic field.

The Swarm mission was designed to measure the magnetic signals that stem from Earth’s core, mantle, crust, oceans, ionosphere and magnetosphere. This will lead to better understanding of the processes that drive Earth’s dynamo.  By studying the complexities of Earth’s protective shield, Swarm will provide a clear insight into processes occurring inside the planet. Along with measurements of conditions in the upper atmosphere, a better knowledge of the near-Earth environment and the Sun’s influence on the planet can be realised.

This video explains the challenges of building  the spacecraft for this very demanding mission.

Interviews and supporting material: 

Volker Liebig, ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes – English and German

Albert Zaglauer, Astrium Project Manager – English and German

Clean room shots and animations

More information at: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Observing_the_Earth/The_Living_Planet_Programme/Earth_Explorers/Swarm

Preview and download:
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2013/08/SWARM_-_building_Europe_s_magnetic_mission

Script:
EbSI-081417.doc

Satellite Parameters: Eutelsat 9A at 9 degrees E, transponder 59, downlink frequency 11900.1 horizontally polarised, symbol rate 27,500 FEC 2/3.