Cluster launch preparations

Cluster spacecraft F3 and F4 are installed on top of Ar-501 in the Batiment d'Assemblage Final (BAF) building at the Kourou, French Guiana launch site. The upper assembly of F1/F2, Speltra and fairing were then lowered into position over them.

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] [97.12.007-005]