Swarm (spacecraft)

Swarm is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission designed to study the Earth's magnetic field. Launched on November 22, 2013, from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia, the constellation consists of three identical satellites flying in different polar orbits.

The primary objective of the Swarm mission is to provide the best-ever survey of the Earth's magnetic field and its temporal evolution. By precisely measuring the magnetic field's strength and direction, as well as the electrical field and plasma properties in the Earth's upper atmosphere, Swarm helps scientists understand the complex interactions between the Earth's core, mantle, crust, oceans, ionosphere, and magnetosphere.

Each Swarm satellite carries a suite of sophisticated instruments, including a vector field magnetometer (VFM), an absolute scalar magnetometer (ASM), an electric field instrument (EFI), and an accelerometer. These instruments work together to provide high-resolution and accurate measurements of the magnetic field and its variations.

The Swarm mission's data are used to create detailed models of the Earth's magnetic field, which have numerous applications. These models are used to improve navigation systems, satellite operations, and our understanding of space weather. They also provide insights into the Earth's internal structure and the processes that generate the magnetic field.

The mission has been extended multiple times beyond its initial lifespan, demonstrating the enduring value of the data it provides. The Swarm constellation continues to provide valuable scientific data and contribute to our understanding of the Earth's dynamic magnetic environment.