Swarming into space

UK engineers are to develop key systems for a major European space project that aims to place satellites in formation above the Earth.

European group EADS Astrium has been awarded a contract from ESA to develop and build the three satellites needed for the space agency’s Swarm mission, which is scheduled for launch in 2010.

Swarm will consist of the three satellites flying in formation to provide detailed data on the Earth’s magnetic field, a project that could substantially aid the search for valuable new reserves of natural resources. EADS Astrium is to set up a joint Anglo-German team for Swarm.

The group’s UK base at Stevenage, Hertfordshire, will be responsible for the propulsion system, structure and other mechanical elements of the Swarm satellites.

The UK arm of the company will also be responsible for the crucial RF communication link with the ground base.

Two of the three satellites will fly side by side at an altitude of 450km, while the third will fly above them at 530km. The satellites will be equipped with an array of scientific instruments that will provide ESA’s astronomers with high-precision and high-resolution measurements of the strength, direction and variations of the Earth’s magnetic field.