#USA #Broomfield #BAE Systems #NOAA #Space Weather

BAE Systems Secures Contract for NOAA's Next Space Weather Mission

In a significant milestone for both BAE Systems and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), BAE has been tasked with building the spacecraft bus for NOAA's forthcoming Space Weather Next L1 mission. This satellite is poised to replace the current Space Weather Follow-On L1 mission, which is slated for launch within this calendar year.

The mission will play a critical role in gathering crucial data for NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). This data will aid in safeguarding terrestrial and orbital technologies from hazardous space weather events. The spacecraft will be stationed at the sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), a gravitationally stable orbit situated between our planet and the sun. From this vantage point, the L1 Series will consistently observe solar activities such as coronal mass ejections, solar flares, and solar winds, compiling data crucial for forecasting the timing and intensity of geomagnetic storms.

Dr. Alberto Conti, Vice President and General Manager of Civil Space at BAE Systems, emphasized the importance of the Space Weather Next L1 Series mission at a time when satellite dependence is increasing exponentially. “As more satellites enter orbit and our reliance on these technologies grows, missions like this are essential for protecting our infrastructure, both in space and on Earth.” This sentiment underscores the increasing urgency to enhance our defenses against space weather, which is known to disrupt communications, power grids, and even GPS systems, potentially endangering astronauts and equipment.

The Space Weather Next L1 Series will incorporate at least five instruments provided by various mission partners. This suite of tools is designed to transmit real-time data on pressing space weather conditions, enabling various stakeholders to prepare for potential power outages and protect critical infrastructures.

In addition to the spacecraft bus development, BAE Systems will oversee integration and environmental testing. They will also offer support during the launch phase of the mission.

The L1 Series represents the latest advancement in heliophysics projects being constructed by BAE Systems for NASA and NOAA. This is in line with their previous work on the SWFO-L1 mission, which aims for a similar role and will also launch in 2025. Furthermore, BAE Systems has previously constructed spacecraft for NASA's Carruthers Geocorona Observatory, dedicated to ongoing observation of Earth's exosphere in response to solar activities.

The anticipated launch date for the L1 Series is in 2029, signifying a critical step in enhancing our understanding and preparation for space weather phenomena. This mission not only looks to expand NOAA's capacity to forecast space weather but also strengthens the collaboration between governmental agencies and private contractors like BAE Systems.

For more information about these initiatives and BAE Systems' contributions to aerospace technology, you can reach out to Scott Miller at BAE Systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the partnership between BAE Systems and NOAA on the Space Weather Next L1 mission highlights the critical need for advanced forecasting tools in the face of increasing atmospheric space threats. As we rely more on technology in our daily lives and in professional applications, understanding and mitigating the risks posed by space weather becomes paramount.