Cluster II spacecraft ready for storage

Following the loss of the four Cluster science satellites in the failure of the Ariane 501 launch on 4 June 1996, four replacements are planned for launch in 2000 to study the interaction of the solar wind with Earth's magnetosphere. The first is already built using spares from the first four. It is shown with the payload removed in preparation for storage until it is required. [Image Date: 1997/05] [97.12.008-001]