The Launch of Cluster II

The 4 Cluster spacecraft were launched in two sets of two from the Russian Cosmodrome in Baikonur.

First set

The first set was successfully launched July 16, 2000, 14:39 CEST (12:39 UTC). The RAPID technical manager Wolfgang Güttler attended this launch in Baikonur for the Institute.

  • July 17: First Cluster apogee burn completed.
  • July 18: Second apogee raising manoeuvre completed.
  • July 19: Three of four major engine burns completed.
  • July 21: Cluster 2 and 3 (aka FM6 and FM 7 or Samba and Salsa) are in final elliptical orbit.
A rocket is on the launch pad in the left image, and in flight in the right image against a blue sky.

Second set 

The second set was successfully launched August 9, 2000, 13:13 CEST (11:13 UTC). Institute representation in Baikonur was the RAPID Co-PI, Patrick Daly.

  • August 9: Spacecraft separation recorded with on-board camera.
  • August 11: Spacecraft 1 and 4 ("Rumba" and "Tango") being prepared for injection into final orbit.
  • August 14: Status reports from ESOC.
  • August 14: The Cluster Quartet are together.
  • August 21: Preparing for Commissioning. 
Left: Rocket on launch pad with people nearby. Right: Rocket ascending with visible exhaust flames.

       

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