The three satellites of the SWARM constellation are based on a new generation of subsystems and existing instruments, prime contractor EADS/Astrium - GmbH (Friedrichshafen).

The Payload of each satellites is composed of:

VFM (Vector Field Magnetometer), to measure the vector components of the magnetic field, it is installed on an optical bench associated to a stellar sensor
ASM (Absolute Scalar Magnetometer), to measure the intensity of the magnetic field
EFI (Electric Field Instrument), to measure the ionic density, the drift speed and the electric field
ACC (Accelerometer), to measure non gravitational accelerations (atmospheric friction)
Associated equipments:

Laser reflectors for an accurate determination of the orbit (LRR)
GPS

Main characteristics

	Configuration
Spacecraft mass	500 kg
Spacecraft average power consumption	215 W
Solar arrays surface	4.4 m²
Energy storage	Ion-Lithium battery
Spacecraft dimensions
Length	9.06 m
Width	1.3 m
Height	0.8 m
Boom length	4 m
Boom direction	Anti flight
Attitude and orbit control	Three-axis stabilised
Telemetry/telecommand	S-band, 6 Mbps downlink
Data generation: day and satellite	247 Mb
Data storage capability	16 Gb

 

The three satellites of the constellations will be launched together by one launcher. All three can be accommodated by different launchers: VEGA, ROCKOT or DNEPR. The Rockot launcher was selected at the beginning of 2010 for the simultaneous launch of the 3 SWARM satellites which will take place from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. The launch is schedulled for 2012.