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32m ago

SpaceX Launches NASA–NOAA Trio to L1 for Next-Gen Space-Weather Watch

The missions are intended to strengthen space‑weather forecasting by filling critical data gaps from a stable vantage point between Earth and the Sun.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with NASA’s IMAP, the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory, and NOAA's SWFO-L1 spacecraft stands vertical at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida as the sun rises on September 22.
Image
An artist’s depiction of NASA’s IMAP (Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) spacecraft. Credit: NASA/Princeton/Patrick McPike

Overview

  • The Falcon 9 lifted off from Kennedy Space Center carrying NASA’s IMAP and Carruthers plus NOAA’s SWFO‑L1 toward the Sun–Earth L1 point about 1 million miles away, beginning a roughly four‑month cruise.
  • IMAP will map the heliosphere’s boundary and provide near‑real‑time solar‑wind and particle data, including about a 30‑minute radiation warning for crews and spacecraft near Earth.
  • SWFO‑L1 is NOAA’s first dedicated operational space‑weather observatory, delivering continuous solar‑wind and compact coronagraph measurements to improve early storm alerts.
  • The Carruthers Geocorona Observatory will image Earth’s exosphere in ultraviolet to see how the outer atmosphere responds to solar activity, honoring pioneer George Carruthers.
  • Officials target early 2026 for NASA’s science spacecraft to reach full operations and spring 2026 for SWFO‑L1, with the combined program valued at about $1.6 billion.