CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A new group of space weather satellites launched early Wednesday morning, aimed at monitoring solar storms that can cause both beautiful auroras and disrupt communication systems, potentially endangering astronauts in space.
The three satellites took off from Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX rocket, on their way to a lookout point one million miles from Earth. Each satellite has its own mission, highlighting a collaborative effort between NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The total investment for this endeavor is approximately $1.6 billion, with NASA’s Joe Westlake referring to it as “the ultimate cosmic carpool,” due to the cost-saving measures involved.
Leading the charge is NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, which will examine the outer boundaries of the heliosphere—the bubble created by solar winds that envelops our solar system. One of its key contributions will be to offer a 30-minute warning of solar storms, crucial for astronauts working on the moon under NASA’s Artemis program, which is scheduled for significant missions next year.
In addition, the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory will study Earth’s outer atmosphere, named in honor of the late scientist George Carruthers, known for his groundbreaking work in ultraviolet astronomy during the Apollo program.
NOAA’s new satellite will provide continuous updates on solar activity and solar wind measurements to ensure Earth’s safety from harmful solar flares. Officials expect NASA’s satellites to be operational by early next year, with NOAA’s launching in the spring.
NASA is contributing over $879 million to this project, while NOAA’s investment stands at $693 million. Although NASA already has several sun-observing spacecraft, these new satellites are equipped with advanced instruments for more precise measurements.
The overarching goal is to enhance our understanding of the sun, ultimately protecting our planet and its inhabitants. While the stunning visual phenomena of the northern and southern lights are captivating, the primary focus of these missions will be on the scientific data they can provide.
As preparations continue for NASA’s Artemis mission around the moon, officials are confident that these new space weather initiatives will improve forecasting and offer essential alerts in case of major solar activity. Should such an event occur, astronauts will have a designated safe area within their capsule to shield them from increased radiation levels.
