Johns Hopkins APL secures a $20.5 million NASA contract to build cutting-edge sensors for NOAA's Space Weather Next Program, enhancing our ability to predict and mitigate the impact of solar storms.
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| NASA funds development of advanced space weather sensors to improve forecasting and protect critical infrastructure. |
Washington, USA – November 29, 2024:
NASA, in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has awarded a $20.5 million contract to Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) to develop state-of-the-art space weather sensors. These sensors will be a critical component of NOAA’s Space Weather Next Program, designed to enhance our ability to predict and respond to space weather events.
The Suprathermal Ion Sensors, developed by APL, will be deployed on NOAA’s Lagrange 1 Series satellites. These satellites will occupy a strategic position in space, known as the Lagrange point 1, where they will provide continuous monitoring of the solar wind and other space weather phenomena.
The sensors will measure the energy and distribution of suprathermal ions, which are particles accelerated to high speeds by solar eruptions. By analyzing these particles, scientists can gain valuable insights into the intensity and timing of space weather events, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
Space weather events can have significant impacts on Earth, disrupting power grids, satellite communications, and GPS navigation systems. By improving our understanding of space weather, NOAA can issue timely warnings and alerts, allowing critical infrastructure operators to take preventive measures.
The collaboration between NASA, NOAA, and APL represents a significant step forward in space weather research and prediction. The development of these advanced sensors will contribute to a more resilient and informed society, capable of mitigating the risks posed by space weather.