Main information
- The NASA Tracers and SpaceX mission studies the terrestrial magnetic shield.
- Twin satellites collect data on magnetic reconnection.
- Scientists seek to understand the impact of spatial meteorology on daily life.
Two tray satellites, designed to study the magnetic shield of the earth and its protection against space weather, were successfully launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX from the Vandenberg space base. This NASA mission will study magnetic reconnection, a process that shapes the influence of the sun on our planet.
The two devices will fly in tight training and collect an unprecedented number of measures for a year in order to understand how magnetic reconnection evolves over time. By studying this phenomenon in the region of the polar cusp of the earth, where the magnetic field of the sun interacts with that of the earth, scientists hope to learn how energy and particles are coupled in space near the earth.
Scientific objectives
This launch marks an important step for the Heliophysical fleet of NASA, which aims to protect humanity by understanding the influence of our star. This mission promises to advance our knowledge of space meteorology and its impact on daily life.
In addition to Tracers, three smaller satellites – Athena Epic, Pext and Real – have also been deployed to demonstrate new technologies and collect scientific data. These missions will focus on communications and research on radiation belts.
Collaboration between several agencies
The success of the launch testifies to the collaboration efforts of scientists and engineers from various institutions. The Tracers mission, led by the Iowa University, should transform our understanding of the Earth’s magnetosphere.