NASA Partners with BAE Systems for NOAA's Space Weather Program Development

In a significant move for space weather observation capabilities, NASA has awarded a delivery order to BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc., located in Boulder, Colorado, on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This award, part of the Lagrange 1 Series project, is a key segment of NOAA's ambitious Space Weather Next program and is valued at approximately $230.6 million.

The delivery order, made under the Rapid Spacecraft Acquisition IV contract, underscores a long-term commitment extending from February 2025 to February 2035. BAE Systems will be responsible for several critical operations within the project. These include the development of up to two spacecraft, integration of instruments, rigorous satellite-level testing, and providing vital training and support for the spacecraft flight operations team. This contract allows for a fast-track and flexible means for government agencies to procure necessary spacecraft and components, ensuring that vital missions are launched efficiently.

The overarching goal of the Space Weather Next program is to sustain and enhance observations of space weather from various stable orbital positions, specifically Lagrange 1, which lies about one million miles from Earth. The inaugural launch of the Lagrange 1 Series, planned for 2029, will establish a new observatory aimed at delivering continuous real-time imagery of the Sun's corona and measurements of solar wind upstream, crucial for forecasting space weather events.

Furthermore, this program aims to ensure that there are no gaps in data collection as the current NOAA Space Weather Follow On mission reaches its operational conclusion. Continuous observations of solar activities and the near-Earth space environment are instrumental in safeguarding technological infrastructures both on Earth and in space. Through the management of this data, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center will issue forecasts, warnings, and alerts to help mitigate the impacts of space weather, which can disrupt electric power systems and interfere with communication and navigation operations.

NASA and NOAA together will supervise the entire spectrum of development, launch, and operational phases for the project. While NOAA takes the lead as the program owner—providing both financial backing and operational management—NASA, in conjunction with its commercial partners, will focus on the development, construction of instruments, spacecraft, and the provision of launch services.

This partnership signifies a strategic approach to advance our space weather forecasting capabilities, essential for both civilian and governmental responses to potential space weather threats. As the field of space observation technology evolves, collaborations like this set the foundation for tackling unforeseen challenges posed by our dynamic solar environment. For more detailed information about NASA's projects and initiatives, visit NASA’s official website.