Space & Satellites
SpaceX Launches Three Space Weather Satellites for Solar Storm Monitoring
SpaceX launched NASA and NOAA spacecraft to Lagrange Point 1, enhancing solar storm prediction and protection of critical infrastructure.
On September 24, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched three sophisticated space weather monitoring spacecraft aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, marking a significant milestone in humanity’s ability to predict and protect against solar storms and space weather events. The mission, launched at 7:30 a.m. EDT from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carried NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), NASA’s Carruthers Geocorona Observatory (CGO), and NOAA’s Space Weather Follow-on (SWFO-L1) spacecraft to their destination at the sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1, approximately 930,000 miles from Earth. This launch represents the convergence of decades of scientific research, technological advancement, and growing recognition of space weather as a critical threat to modern civilization’s infrastructure.
IMAP alone, with its investment of roughly $600 million and ten advanced scientific instruments, underscores the substantial commitment to understanding the complex interactions between solar activity and Earth’s protective magnetic environment. The successful deployment of these three complementary observatories establishes a new frontier in space weather prediction capabilities, providing enhanced protection for astronauts, satellites, power grids, and the countless technologies that underpin contemporary society.
This mission not only advances scientific research but also strengthens operational infrastructure, ensuring that both public and private sectors are better equipped to manage the risks posed by space weather. As society becomes ever more reliant on space-based assets and interconnected technologies, such initiatives are increasingly vital for economic stability and public safety.
The September 24, 2025 launch was a carefully orchestrated deployment of three distinct but complementary space weather monitoring systems. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, carrying all three spacecraft on a shared trajectory toward the sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), a gravitationally stable location ideal for continuous solar observation. The launch was timed for optimal deployment and benefited from favorable weather conditions.
The deployment sequence was meticulously planned: IMAP was released into an interplanetary transfer orbit approximately 84 minutes after launch, followed by SWFO-L1 just over six minutes later, and CGO thirteen minutes after that. This staggered schedule ensured that each spacecraft could achieve its specific orbital requirements while minimizing potential interference during early mission phases.
Highlighting the mission’s technical prowess, the Falcon 9’s first stage booster landed safely on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship, demonstrating the reliability and cost-effectiveness of reusable rocket technology. This was the 120th Falcon 9 flight of 2025, with SpaceX’s continued dominance in commercial space launches largely attributed to its reusable systems and the growing demand for satellite deployment.
“Humanity has only ever existed inside our protective magnetosphere, and as we travel beyond that protective shield, whether it be to the moon or to Mars, the actionable information from missions like IMAP will keep our astronauts safe.” — NASA’s Nicky Fox, Science Mission Directorate
IMAP is the flagship of this mission, representing a $600 million investment in probing the boundaries of our solar system and the processes governing particle acceleration in the heliosphere. It carries ten scientific instruments designed to address the composition and properties of the local interstellar medium, the evolution of regions where solar wind and interstellar medium interact, and particle acceleration processes. IMAP’s compact design, just 2.4 meters in diameter and 0.9 meters in height, houses advanced imaging systems capable of mapping energetic neutral atoms across a broad energy spectrum.
Key instruments include IMAP-Lo, IMAP-Hi, and IMAP-Ultra, each targeting different energy ranges to provide comprehensive data on the interactions at the edge of the heliosphere. The spacecraft also features a magnetometer system and specialized particle detectors, enabling it to study both solar wind and interstellar particles in unprecedented detail. IMAP is expected to take about 108 days to reach its operational position at L1, with a planned mission duration of three to five years. IMAP builds upon a scientific legacy stretching back to the Voyager missions and the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX), promising more frequent and higher-resolution data that will refine our understanding of the solar system’s outer boundaries and the mechanisms driving space weather.
CGO focuses on Earth’s exosphere, the outermost layer of the atmosphere, extending from about 375 miles to 6,200 miles above the surface. Named after Dr. George Carruthers, a pioneer in ultraviolet astronomy, CGO utilizes two far ultraviolet (FUV) cameras to study the geocorona’s shape, density, and response to space weather events. Its main scientific goals are to map the geocorona’s response to solar storms and to understand the sources and behavior of hydrogen in the upper atmosphere.
With a mass of 240 kilograms, CGO will operate from L1 for two years, continuously monitoring the hydrogen-rich frontier that shields Earth from solar wind. Insights from CGO will improve models of atmospheric loss and space weather impacts, with implications for both Earth and comparative planetology.
This mission continues the work begun by Carruthers’ Apollo 16 Far Ultraviolet Camera/Spectrograph, updating his foundational research with modern technology and persistent observation capabilities.
SWFO-L1 is NOAA’s next-generation operational space weather monitoring system, designed to provide real-time observations and early warnings for infrastructure protection. From its L1 vantage point, SWFO-L1 will deliver continuous data on solar wind properties, magnetic fields, and energetic particles, supporting critical sectors such as electric power, aviation, and satellite operations.
This spacecraft enables the retirement of aging satellites and enhances NOAA’s ability to provide timely alerts and forecasts. Its mission addresses the growing need for uninterrupted space weather data as society becomes increasingly dependent on vulnerable technologies.
NOAA and NASA share responsibilities for SWFO-L1, with NOAA managing requirements and data dissemination, while NASA and commercial partners handle development, testing, and launch. This collaborative model ensures that operational needs are met with cutting-edge technical solutions.
“SWFO-L1 will serve as an early warning beacon, helping protect our electric grid, aviation, and satellite industries from the unpredictable nature of space weather.”
Space weather, encompassing solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and geomagnetic storms, poses a documented threat to modern infrastructure. Effects range from power grid failures to satellite disruptions and impaired GPS navigation. The economic stakes are high; a 2017 NOAA report examined impacts on satellites, electric power, aviation, and navigation systems, highlighting the potential for cascading failures across entire economies. Insurance industry analyses, such as those by Lloyd’s of London, estimate that a severe space weather event could result in global economic losses ranging from $1.2 trillion to $9.1 trillion, with North America particularly vulnerable. In the United States alone, studies have projected that an extreme blackout scenario could cost nearly $42 billion per day, not including international supply chain losses. The manufacturing sector is especially exposed, but the ripple effects would touch nearly every aspect of daily life.
Historical precedent for such events exists, most notably in the 1859 Carrington Event, which disrupted global telegraph systems. Modern society’s reliance on electricity and digital communications means that a similar event today would have far more devastating consequences. Recent research suggests there is a 12% probability of a Carrington-scale event occurring within the next decade, making robust space weather monitoring and forecasting an urgent priority.
“The potential cost of a major solar storm blackout in the US could reach $42 billion per day, with additional losses from global supply chain disruptions.”
This mission showcases advancements in spacecraft miniaturization, instrument integration, and international collaboration. IMAP’s ten instruments, packed into a compact 900-kilogram platform, reflect progress in electronics and systems engineering. The deployment of three complementary spacecraft to L1 allows for multi-faceted observation, enhancing both scientific discovery and operational monitoring.
IMAP’s real-time data link will provide approximately 30 minutes of advance warning for incoming solar radiation events, an essential capability for protecting astronauts and sensitive technologies. CGO’s continuous monitoring of the geocorona will improve atmospheric models, while SWFO-L1’s operational focus ensures that NOAA can deliver timely alerts to critical industries.
The mission’s collaborative framework, involving NASA, NOAA, Princeton University, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and 27 international partners, demonstrates a model for future large-scale scientific and operational missions. The integration of real-time data and advanced instrument suites sets a new standard for space weather monitoring, with direct benefits for both research and societal resilience.
“Space weather prediction is no longer just a scientific pursuit, it’s an economic and national security imperative.”
The successful launch and deployment of IMAP, CGO, and SWFO-L1 mark a transformative leap in our ability to monitor and predict space weather. These spacecraft will provide continuous, high-quality data that enhances both our scientific understanding of the heliosphere and our operational capacity to protect vital infrastructure and human life.
As society’s dependence on space-based technologies grows, the insights and warnings delivered by these missions will become increasingly crucial. Looking ahead, the data collected will inform next-generation prediction systems, support safe human exploration beyond Earth’s magnetosphere, and help safeguard the global economy from the unpredictable forces of our Sun.
What is the main purpose of the IMAP mission? Why is the Lagrange Point 1 (L1) chosen for these missions? How does space weather impact daily life and the economy? How will these new spacecraft improve space weather prediction? Who manages and operates these missions? Sources: NASA Press Release
SpaceX Launches Three Critical Space Weather Monitoring Spacecraft: A New Era in Solar Storm Prediction and Protection
Mission Overview and Launch Details
The Three Spacecraft and Their Scientific Objectives
NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP)
NASA’s Carruthers Geocorona Observatory (CGO)
NOAA’s Space Weather Follow-on (SWFO-L1)
Space Weather: Understanding the Threat and Economic Impact
Technological Innovation and Mission Significance
Conclusion
FAQ
IMAP’s primary goal is to study the boundary of the heliosphere and the processes that govern particle acceleration, improving our understanding of how solar and interstellar phenomena affect space weather near Earth.
L1 offers a stable gravitational point between Earth and the Sun, providing an unobstructed, continuous view of solar activity and allowing real-time monitoring of space weather conditions.
Space weather can disrupt electric power grids, satellites, aviation, GPS, and communications systems, with the potential for large-scale economic losses and critical infrastructure failures.
By providing real-time, high-resolution data from multiple vantage points, the new spacecraft will enable earlier warnings and more accurate forecasts, helping to mitigate the impacts of solar storms.
NASA and NOAA share management responsibilities, with contributions from international partners, universities, and commercial entities ensuring robust scientific and operational outcomes.
Photo Credit: NOAA
Space & Satellites
Sodern Opens First US Facility in Colorado for Star Tracker Production
Sodern launches its first US industrial subsidiary in Colorado, producing Auriga™ star trackers and expanding in the US aerospace market.
This article is based on an official press release from Sodern.
Sodern, a prominent French manufacturer of space equipment and a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, has officially inaugurated its first United States industrial subsidiary, Sodern America. Located in Englewood, Colorado, the new facility marks a significant strategic expansion for the European aerospace giant, representing ArianeGroup’s first industrial installation on American soil.
According to the company’s announcement, the opening of Sodern America is designed to bring the manufacturer closer to its U.S. client base and navigate domestic regulatory requirements. The move positions Sodern to compete directly with established American firms in the defense and commercial space sectors by establishing a local supply chain and production capability.
The new subsidiary is situated in the Denver metropolitan area, a region widely recognized as a major hub for the U.S. aerospace industry. The facility spans approximately 14,000 square feet (1,300 square meters) and is equipped to handle manufacturing, testing, and commercial support.
In its official statement, Sodern outlined the specific operational capabilities of the Englewood site:
By establishing this physical presence, Sodern aims to address the “dynamic and demanding” nature of the U.S. market, ensuring that critical components are available with shorter supply-chains than those requiring import from Europe.
To lead the new subsidiary, Sodern has appointed Tiphaine Louradour as the CEO of Sodern America. Louradour brings over 25 years of experience in the space industry, having held significant leadership roles at major U.S. aerospace organizations.
According to biographical details released in conjunction with the announcement, Louradour’s background includes serving as CEO of Spaceflight Inc., President of International Launch Services (ILS), and President of Global Commercial Sales at United Launch Alliance (ULA). Her appointment signals Sodern’s intent to leverage deep ties within the U.S. space industrial base to secure new contracts.
A primary driver for this expansion, as noted in the company’s strategic rationale, is compliance with U.S. regulatory frameworks. Foreign entities often face barriers when bidding for U.S. government defense and civil space contracts due to strict domestic content requirements, often referred to as “Buy American” mandates. By manufacturing the Auriga™ star tracker and conducting testing in Colorado, Sodern America intends to qualify for sensitive programs that are typically restricted to U.S. entities. This local status allows the company to bypass previous regulatory hurdles and compete on equal footing with domestic manufacturers.
The entry of Sodern America into the Colorado aerospace cluster places it in direct proximity to some of its fiercest competitors. The Denver area is home to Blue Canyon Technologies (a subsidiary of RTX), which is a market leader in small satellite components and star trackers. Additionally, Ball Aerospace (now part of BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems) and Honeywell Aerospace maintain significant operations in the region.
Sodern is already a supplier for major U.S. stakeholders, including NASA, providing instruments for the InSight Mars mission and the Europa Clipper, and the OneWeb constellation. However, establishing a manufacturing foothold suggests a shift from being an exporter to becoming an embedded part of the U.S. supply chain. This move is likely to intensify competition in the optical sensors market, particularly as satellite constellations continue to scale.
What is Sodern America? Where is the new facility located? What will be manufactured at the new site? Who is the CEO of Sodern America? Why did Sodern open a U.S. factory?
Facility Capabilities and Strategic Location
Leadership and Market Objectives
Navigating “Buy American” Regulations
AirPro News Analysis: The Competitive Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodern America is the new U.S. subsidiary of the French space equipment manufacturer Sodern. It is the company’s first industrial facility in the United States.
The facility is located in Englewood, Colorado, within the Denver metropolitan area.
The site will feature a production line for Auriga™ star trackers and testing facilities for Hydra™ star trackers.
Tiphaine Louradour, a veteran aerospace executive with previous leadership roles at Spaceflight Inc. and ULA, has been appointed as CEO.
The expansion aims to bypass “Buy American” regulatory hurdles, shorten supply chains for U.S. clients, and allow the company to bid on U.S. government defense contracts.Sources
Photo Credit: Sodern
Space & Satellites
Isar Aerospace Opens Acceptance Test Facility at Esrange Space Center
Isar Aerospace launches a new test site at Esrange, Sweden, to support industrial-scale production of Spectrum rocket ahead of March 2026 flight.
This article is based on an official press release from Isar Aerospace.
Isar Aerospace has officially inaugurated a new acceptance test facility at the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden. Announced on February 4, 2026, the opening marks a significant transition for the Munich-based launch provider as it shifts focus from prototype development to the industrial-scale production of its Spectrum launch vehicle.
The new site is purpose-built to verify the flight readiness of manufactured hardware, a critical step in ensuring high-cadence Launch operations. According to the company, the facility is designed to test over 30 Aquila engines per month, alongside fully integrated rocket stages. This infrastructure expansion comes just weeks before Isar Aerospace attempts its second Test-Flights, mission “Onward and Upward,” scheduled to First-Flight from Andøya Spaceport in Norway in March 2026.
Unlike development testing, which focuses on validating design concepts, acceptance testing is the final quality control step before hardware is shipped to the launch pad. Isar Aerospace stated in their press release that the new facility is specifically engineered to remove production bottlenecks. By securing dedicated infrastructure for acceptance testing, the company aims to ensure that every engine and stage coming off the assembly line is immediately qualified for flight.
The facility operates alongside Isar’s existing vertical test stand (VTS-2) at Esrange, which has been utilized for development testing since 2019. The addition of the new site allows for parallel operations: R&D can continue on the vertical stand while the new facility handles the volume required for serial production.
“Scaling reliable access to space requires not only advanced launch vehicle design but also the right infrastructure to support rapid development and production. With our second test facility at Esrange, we are unlocking new capabilities and accelerating our progress.”
, Daniel Metzler, CEO & Co-Founder, Isar Aerospace
The new infrastructure significantly increases the company’s throughput. Isar Aerospace reports that the site is equipped to handle the acceptance testing of more than 30 Aquila engines monthly. Furthermore, the site supports integrated stage testing, allowing engineers to verify the entire rocket stage as a cohesive unit before it leaves Sweden.
The opening of this facility highlights the intensifying race among European launch Startups to provide sovereign access to space. Isar Aerospace is competing with peers such as Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) and Orbex to fill the gap in Europe’s launch market. By vertically integrating its testing capabilities, Isar Aerospace reduces reliance on shared facilities, potentially giving it an advantage in scheduling and launch cadence. Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), which operates Esrange, emphasized the importance of this Partnerships for the broader European ecosystem.
“This new facility strengthens Europe’s path toward scalable and reliable access to space… Together, we are building the infrastructure that will enable a new generation of launch services.”
, Mats Tyni, Director of Business Development, SSC
The distinction between “development” and “acceptance” testing is often overlooked, yet it is the primary hurdle for launch companies moving from a single successful flight to a commercial service. In our view, Isar Aerospace’s Investments in a high-volume acceptance facility signals confidence in their hardware design. It suggests the company believes the Aquila engine design is mature enough to freeze for mass production. If the upcoming March 2026 flight is successful, this infrastructure will be the key enabler that allows them to fulfill their backlog without the testing bottlenecks that have historically plagued the industry.
The facility inauguration serves as a prelude to Isar Aerospace’s next major milestone. The company confirmed that its second test flight, dubbed “Onward and Upward,” is targeted for a launch window in March 2026. This mission will utilize the Spectrum vehicle, a two-stage rocket designed to carry up to 1,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
The Spectrum vehicle relies on the Aquila engines tested at Esrange, which utilize Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Propane. Following a flight termination during the first test launch in March 2025, the company has conducted extensive hot-fire tests to validate system corrections. The new acceptance facility will likely play a central role in qualifying engines for vehicles 3 through 7, which are currently planned for concurrent production.
Industrializing Launch Capabilities
Capacity and Specs
Strategic Context: The Race for European Sovereignty
AirPro News Analysis
Upcoming Mission: “Onward and Upward”
Sources
Photo Credit: Isar Aerospace
Space & Satellites
SpaceX Crew-12 Arrives in Florida for February ISS Launch
Crew-12 astronauts from NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos arrive at Kennedy Space Center ahead of their February 11 launch to the ISS aboard SpaceX Crew Dragon.
This article is based on an official press release from NASA and additional mission data from ESA and Roscosmos.
The four-member crew of the SpaceX Crew-12 mission arrived at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida on Friday, February 6, 2026, marking the final operational milestone before their scheduled Launch to the International Space Station (ISS). Flying in from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, the international team of astronauts landed at the Launch and Landing Facility to commence final preparations and mandatory quarantine protocols.
According to NASA, the mission is targeted to lift off on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6:01 a.m. EST. The crew will ride aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This flight represents a continuation of the Commercial Crew Program’s efforts to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit.
The arrival of Crew-12 is operationally critical for the ISS, which has recently functioned with a reduced staff due to schedule shifts and medical evaluations. The successful docking of Crew-12, targeted for approximately 10:30 a.m. EST on February 12, will restore the orbiting laboratory to its full complement of seven astronauts, stabilizing maintenance rosters and scientific output for Expeditions 74 and 75.
The Crew-12 mission brings together representatives from three major Space-Agencies: NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Roscosmos. The mission duration is expected to last approximately nine months, during which the crew will conduct hundreds of scientific experiments and technology demonstrations.
In an official statement regarding the mission’s scope, NASA noted:
“Crew-12 will conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations to help prepare humans for future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as benefit people on Earth.”
Following the launch on February 11, the crew will execute a 28-hour rendezvous profile before docking with the ISS. Once aboard, they will overlap briefly with the departing crew before settling into a long-duration stay focused on deep space biology, material science, and Earth observation.
The manifest for Crew-12 features a blend of veteran leadership and rookie talent, including two American astronauts, one French astronaut, and one Russian cosmonaut. Leading the mission is veteran astronaut Jessica Meir. Meir previously served on Expedition 61/62 in 2019 and 2020, where she gained global recognition for participating in the first all-female spacewalk alongside Christina Koch. A dual American-Swedish citizen, Meir holds a Doctorate in Marine Biology from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Her scientific background includes extensive research on animal physiology in extreme environments, such as emperor penguins in Antarctica. As Mission Commander, she is responsible for all phases of flight, from launch to re-entry.
Seated alongside Meir is mission pilot Jack Hathaway, making his first trip to space. Selected as a NASA astronaut candidate in 2021, Hathaway brings extensive aviation experience as a Commander in the U.S. Navy. He is a distinguished graduate of the Empire Test Pilots’ School and has logged over 2,500 flight hours in more than 30 types of aircraft. His role on Crew-12 involves monitoring vehicle systems and performance during the dynamic phases of flight.
Representing the European Space Agency is Mission Specialist Sophie Adenot. A Lieutenant Colonel in the French Air and Space Force and a helicopter test pilot, Adenot was selected as an ESA astronaut in 2022. She becomes the second French woman to fly to space, following Claudie Haigneré’s mission in 1996. Adenot’s individual mission is designated “Epsilon.”
Commenting on the significance of her role, Adenot stated:
“With this Epsilon mission, France and Europe are contributing to a global endeavor. Space exploration connects science, economy, technology, education, and diplomacy.”
Rounding out the crew is Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. This flight marks his second journey to the ISS, having previously flown on the SpaceX Crew-6 mission from March to September 2023. Fedyaev’s inclusion in the crew is notable for making him the first Russian cosmonaut to fly twice on a SpaceX Dragon vehicle. He is tasked with monitoring launch and re-entry phases and managing cargo operations aboard the station.
Upon their arrival in Florida, the crew immediately entered the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building to begin the standard pre-flight quarantine. This health stabilization protocol, a legacy of the Apollo era, is designed to ensure that no viral or bacterial illnesses are transported to the closed environment of the ISS.
The composition of Crew-12 underwent a significant adjustment late in the training flow. In December 2025, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev was removed from the manifest and replaced by Andrey Fedyaev. While Roscosmos officially cited a “transition to other work” as the reason for the swap, industry reports have suggested the change may have been influenced by internal Regulations. Fedyaev’s previous experience on the Crew-6 mission allowed him to step into the role with a compressed training timeline, ensuring the mission schedule remained on track.
The integration of Andrey Fedyaev into Crew-12 highlights the increasing maturity and interoperability of the Commercial Crew Program. In previous eras of spaceflight, a crew change less than three months before launch could have resulted in significant delays. However, the standardization of the SpaceX Crew Dragon platform allows veteran flyers like Fedyaev to retain currency and step into rotation with reduced lead time. Furthermore, the launch of Crew-12 is pivotal for ISS operations. The station has faced a period of flux regarding crew numbers, and the return to a seven-person staff is essential for clearing the backlog of maintenance tasks and maximizing the scientific return of the orbiting laboratory before the transition to commercial space stations begins later in the decade.
Sources:
Crew-12 Astronauts Touch Down in Florida Ahead of February 11 Launch
Mission Profile and Timeline
Meet the Crew-12 Astronauts
Commander Jessica Meir (NASA)
Pilot Jack Hathaway (NASA)
Mission Specialist Sophie Adenot (ESA)
Mission Specialist Andrey Fedyaev (Roscosmos)
Operational Context and Late Adjustments
Late Crew Change
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: NASA
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