ESA’s Swarm satellites, which will unravel the complexities of Earth’s magnetic shield, are being put through their paces to ensure that they will withstand the rigours of space. Marking an important milestone, the first satellite has undergone magnetic testing. Comprising three identical satellites, Swarm is ESA’s first constellation of Earth observation satellites. They are due to liftoff together on a Rockot launcher from Plesetsk in northern Russia next year.As the launch date grows closer, all three satellites are being subjected to an intense testing programme at IABG in Ottobrunn, Germany. The magnetic field acts like a shield protecting the planet from charged particles that stream towards Earth in solar winds. Without it, life on Earth could not exist. Read More
