GUARNIERO WORKSHOP FOR THE ESA
Model of the four satellites of the Cluster mission, 2000
Scale: 1:60, original dimensions: (4 x) 290 x 130 cm
Mixed Media
20 x 23 x 23 cm
Coll. BIRA – IASB, Communication Service
The Cluster mission from the European Space Agency (ESA) was launched in 2000. The aim of the mission is to explore the Earth's magnetic environment, the magnetosphere. This is done by means of four satellites Rumba, Salsa, Samba and Tango that fly in formation around the earth. The mission ended in September 2024 with the controlled re-entry into the atmosphere of the first satellite, followed by the return of the second in 2025. The last two satellites are expected by the end of August 2026.
The Cluster model, which will be shown at the exhibition, was realized by Atelier Guarniero at ESA's request. Guarniero is a studio based in the Netherlands that has specialized for more than 20 years in the realization of scale models, with detailed finishes in high-quality materials. The studio is reputed for their creative design and craftsmanship.
Artist’s impression of the 4 Cluster satellites in their orbit around the Earth.
© ESA
Schematic representation of one of the 4 Cluster satellites, with the different instruments and the main structural components.
© ESA
Infographic describing how the first Cluster satellite, Salsa, enters Earth's atmosphere over the South Pacific on September 8, 2024.
Artistic representation of the Earth's magnetosphere.
© NASA
Integration of the four satellites: Salsa, Samba, Rumba and Tango.
© NASA
Schematisation of the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetosphere.
© ESA
The Auroras could be studied thanks to Cluster, even if this mission did not allow them to be photographed.
© Gaël Cessateur (BIRA - IASB)
