ESA's magnetic field mission Swarm. A European Space Agency mission to investigate the Earth's magnetic field in unprecedented detail is due to be launched later this year. Without our planets protective magnetic field, life on our planet would struggle to survive. The Swarm mission consisting of three identical satellites will be used to study all aspects of the Earth's magnetic field and assess whether it is weakening. This report outlines the science of the mission and includes interviews with a project scientist and project manager. The three Swarm satellites are due for launch on the same launcher in summer 2012.

More backgroud information can be found on: http://www.esa.int/esaLP/ESA3QZJE43D_LPswarm_0.html