Overview

• NASA says the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe will launch no earlier than Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025.
• IMAP will chart the heliosphere’s boundaries using energetic neutral atom imaging, building on Voyager and IBEX with about 30× higher resolution and faster imaging.
• From the Sun–Earth L1 point about 1 million miles away, IMAP will provide near‑real‑time solar wind data and roughly a 30‑minute warning of hazardous particles.
• The spacecraft carries 10 instruments, including three ENA imagers, and will directly sample interstellar dust to probe the composition of material from beyond the solar system.
• Princeton’s David McComas leads the mission with 27 international partners, APL built and will operate the spacecraft, NASA Goddard manages the program, and NASA’s Launch Services Program manages the launch.