Illustration of the European Space Agencys (ESA) Cluster spacecraft constellation. The Cluster mission, which launched on 16 July and 9 August 2000. It consists of four identical spacecraft arranged in a tetrahedral formation at altitudes ranging from 19,000 to 119,000 kilometres above the Earth. These spacecraft study small-scale changes in near-Earth space and the interactions between the charged particles of the solar wind and Earths magnetosphere. This research helps scientists create a three-dimensional model of Earths magnetosphere and enhances our understanding of the processes occurring within it. Each of the four satellites is equipped with identical sets of 11 instruments designed to investigate charged particles, as well as electrical and magnetic fields. Solar wind, which is a continuous stream of subatomic particles emitted by the Sun, has the potential to damage communication satellites and power stations on Earth.