NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are launching three advanced spacecraft in September 2025 to deepen our understanding of the Sun's pervasive influence on our solar system.
The mission trio includes NASA's Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory, and NOAA's Space Weather Follow-On-Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1). These spacecraft will embark together on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with a target launch date no earlier than September 23, 2025. Their shared destination is the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), a strategic location approximately one million miles from Earth, offering a continuous vantage point for observation.
The IMAP mission is designed to map the heliosphere, the vast magnetic bubble created by the solar wind that envelops our solar system. By sampling and analyzing particles from interstellar space, IMAP aims to unravel the complexities of the solar wind and energetic particles that can impact space exploration and terrestrial technologies. This mission builds upon previous efforts like IBEX, promising more sensitive measurements of the solar wind's interaction with interstellar space.
Complementing IMAP, the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory will focus on Earth's exosphere, the outermost layer of our atmosphere. This observatory will capture ultraviolet light to monitor how solar space weather affects this region, providing crucial data for predicting the impact of solar activity on Earth. Named in honor of Dr. George Carruthers, a pioneer in ultraviolet astronomy, it will offer continuous observations of the exosphere.
NOAA's SWFO-L1 is an operational satellite dedicated to continuous space weather monitoring. From its L1 position, it will observe the Sun's corona and solar wind, enabling the early detection of eruptions before they reach Earth, thus providing critical advanced warning of solar storms. SWFO-L1 is pivotal for NOAA's operational space weather forecasting, ensuring continuity of vital data to protect infrastructure such as power grids and communication systems.
As of early September 2025, the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory and SWFO-L1 have reached the Astrotech Space Operations Facility for final preparations, including testing and propellant loading. The encapsulation and mating of all three spacecraft to the Falcon 9 rocket are currently underway.
Collectively, these missions represent a significant advancement in understanding and predicting space weather. By studying the heliosphere, Earth's exosphere, and the intricate dance of solar particles, scientists anticipate improved predictive models. This enhanced understanding is vital for safeguarding technological infrastructure, ensuring the safety of astronauts, and deepening our comprehension of the forces that shape our solar system and beyond.