Cluster launch preparations

The four Cluster science spacecraft are prepared for installation on their Ar-501 launcher in the Batiment d'Assemblage Final (BAF) building at the Kourou, French Guiana launch site. Spacecraft F3 and F4 are in the foreground await installation directly on Ar-501. In the background, F1/F2 are installed on the Speltra unit (which extends below floor level); the fairing at right was then added. Finally, that assembly was then lowered over F3/F4 on top of the launcher.

Following the Ariane 501 launch failure on 4 June 1996, four replacement Cluster satellites are planned for launch in 2000 to study the interaction of the solar wind with Earth's magnetosphere. [Image Date: 1996/05] [97.12.007-006]