Cluster launch preparations

The four Cluster science satellites were installed on top of Ar-501 in the Batiment d'Assemblage Final (BAF) building at the Kourou, French Guiana launch site. Spacecraft F3 and F4 await encapsulation by the Speltra unit (one cannot be seen because it extends to the next floor level), which already carries spacecraft F1 and F2 and the fairing.

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] [97.12.007-002]