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NASA's PUNCH Mission Achieves First-Light Imaging and Propulsion Milestone

The four-satellite constellation successfully captured deep-field views of the solar corona and demonstrated novel water-based thrusters during its commissioning phase.

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The April 14 first light image from PUNCH's NFI coronagraph shows the bright corona around a blocked-out Sun, centered against the stars of Pisces. The crescents at right are image artifacts that will not appear once the instrument is calibrated. Credit: NASA/SwRI/NRL
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Overview

  • PUNCH's four small satellites, launched on March 11, 2025, have opened their imaging instruments and collected first-light images as part of a 90-day commissioning phase.
  • The constellation's cameras captured deep-field views of constellations like Taurus and the Pleiades, along with zodiacal light, verifying their optical performance.
  • PUNCH employs innovative water-powered thrusters, which successfully demonstrated orbital adjustments to maintain constellation stability.
  • The mission aims to provide continuous 3D imaging of the solar corona and solar wind, enhancing predictions of solar storms that can impact Earth's power grids and electronics.
  • Full science operations are scheduled to begin in June 2025, with the mission expected to improve tracking of coronal mass ejections through advanced imaging techniques.