FOLLOW US

  • facebook
  • twitter
Tue

March 10, 2026

America September 24, 2025

NASA and NOAA Launch $1.6 Billion Mission to Monitor Solar Storms and Protect Earth

America ı By Jackie Allen

230 0 Comments

A cluster of satellites lifted off from Florida this week to monitor solar storms, powerful eruptions from the sun that can create dazzling auroras but also pose serious risks to Earth’s power grids, GPS systems, and astronauts in deep space.  The new missions, a collaboration between NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), represent a major step forward in space weather forecasting.

A Multi-Satellite Mission

Three satellites soared into space aboard a SpaceX rocket from Kennedy Space Center, aiming for a sun-orbiting position about 1 million miles (1.6 million kilometers) from Earth. The mission is valued at $1.6 billion, with NASA investing over $879 million and NOAA contributing $693 million. NASA scientist Joe Westlake described the collaboration as “the ultimate cosmic carpool,” noting that sharing a rocket significantly reduced cost. The lineup includes:
  • Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP): Designed to study the heliosphere — the solar wind-driven bubble that surrounds our solar system — while also providing astronauts with up to 30 minutes’ warning of incoming solar storms.
  • Carruthers Geocorona Observatory: A smaller NASA mission focused on Earth’s farthest-reaching, glowing atmosphere. It honors the late George Carruthers, who built the ultraviolet telescope used during Apollo 16 in 1972.
  • SWFO-L1: NOAA’s first spacecraft fully dedicated to space weather forecasting, offering 24/7 monitoring of the sun’s activity and solar winds.
Officials expect NASA’s satellites to be operational early next year, with NOAA’s entering service by spring.

Why Solar Storms Matter

Solar storms are triggered by solar flares and coronal mass ejections, often emerging near sunspots — dark regions of intense magnetic activity on the sun’s surface. These events can disrupt satellites, radio communications, and even power infrastructure on Earth. “Just being able to put all those together to give us a much, much better view of the sun,” NASA science mission chief Nicky Fox explained, emphasizing that the combined observations will greatly improve forecasting. For astronauts participating in NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions around the moon, warnings could be lifesaving. If a storm strikes, astronauts will take shelter beneath the capsule floor to reduce radiation exposure.

New Discoveries About the Sun’s Magnetic Field

In addition to new spacecraft, recent scientific findings may help refine forecasts. Research published in 2024 revealed that the sun’s magnetic field originates just 20,000 miles beneath the surface — far closer than the previously believed 130,000 miles. This discovery, scientists say, could make predicting periods of extreme solar storms far more accurate (AP News).
12

Previous Article

Ryan Routh Found Guilty of Trying to Assassinate Donald Trump at Florida Golf Course

Read More
Jackie Allen
3078 Posts

Jackie Allen

Jackie is a freelance journalist and technology geek. She worked as a telecom project director for AT&T and BellSouth. Before joining the USA Herald she has written books, articles, blogs and whitepapers. Her clients include Samsung and other technology companies.

Don’t Miss It
Arizona December 12, 2024
Arizona Bar Opens Investigation on Attorney Aaron Kelly
By – Paul O'Neal
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift
By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor
By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation
By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Google and Tesla Power Grid Initiative Targets Lower Energy Costs
By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 10, 2026
Jupiter’s Shift Direction Lights Up the Night Sky Again
By – Rihem Akkouche
Arizona January 11, 2025
Kelly Warner Law Firm Blames USA Herald for Arizona Bar Investigation

In what appears as a desperate attempt to defend multiple allegations of fraud on the courts, the Kelly Warner Law…

By – USA Herald
Arizona January 4, 2025
Aaron Kelly Law Firm Resorts To Attacking Former Client Again On KellyWarnerLaw.com – Pattern Recognized

Attorney Aaron Kelly and his law partner Daniel Warner are currently under investigation by the Arizona Bar for legal misconduct.…

By – Jeff Watterson
Arizona December 12, 2024
Arizona Bar Opens Investigation on Attorney Aaron Kelly

USA Herald recently reported on a developing story involving Attorneys Daniel Warner and Aaron Kelly. Both Warner and Kelly have…

By – Paul O'Neal
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Medtronic to Buy Scientia Vascular in $550 Million Neurovascular Deal

In a move poised to reshape the future of stroke treatment technology, Medtronic to buy Scientia Vascular marks a major…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 10, 2026
Google and Tesla Power Grid Initiative Targets Lower Energy Costs

Two of the world’s most influential technology companies are stepping into the energy policy arena, launching a campaign they say…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Medtronic to Buy Scientia Vascular in $550 Million Neurovascular Deal

In a move poised to reshape the future of stroke treatment technology, Medtronic to buy Scientia Vascular marks a major…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 10, 2026
Google and Tesla Power Grid Initiative Targets Lower Energy Costs

Two of the world’s most influential technology companies are stepping into the energy policy arena, launching a campaign they say…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Medtronic to Buy Scientia Vascular in $550 Million Neurovascular Deal

In a move poised to reshape the future of stroke treatment technology, Medtronic to buy Scientia Vascular marks a major…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 10, 2026
Google and Tesla Power Grid Initiative Targets Lower Energy Costs

Two of the world’s most influential technology companies are stepping into the energy policy arena, launching a campaign they say…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 8, 2026
The Northern Lights Return

The Northern Lights have a chance to be visible from several northern U.S. states on Tuesday night, forecasters at the…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
February Unemployment Up as Job Losses Surprise Economists

February Unemployment Up as the latest labor market data revealed weaker-than-expected job growth and a slight increase in the national…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Late-Night Attack by Venezuelan National at Florida Beach

A Late-night attack by a Venezuelan National has left a Florida community shaken after authorities say a 26-year-old man ambushed…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Trump’s War in Iran: Congress Confronts Escalation After U.S. Strikes

Trump’s War in Iran  was triggered open conflict, casualties, and renewed constitutional debate in Washington. The crisis intensified following reports…

By – Jackie Allen
America February 28, 2026
U.S. And Israel Launch Major Strikes On Iran — What It Means For America

TEHRAN, Iran – In a dramatic escalation of global tensions, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes against Iran…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 26, 2026
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Overturns $8M Asbestos Verdict Against BNSF Railway Co.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has thrown out an $8 million jury verdict against BNSF Railway…

By – Tyler Brooks
America March 10, 2026
ExxonMobil to Move to Texas in Historic Corporate Shift

In a move that could reshape the corporate map of one of America’s most powerful energy companies, ExxonMobil to move…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
US Consulate Shooting in Toronto Triggers National Security Investigation

Authorities in Canada are investigating the US consulate shooting in Toronto after gunfire struck the diplomatic building early Monday morning…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Alabama Man Fatal Shooting Death Sentence Commuted by Governor

In a rare act of clemency that halted an imminent execution, the Alabama man fatal shooting death sentence tied to…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Winklevoss Twins’ Bitcoin Transfer Sparks Market Speculation

A wave of cryptocurrency movement tied to the founders of the Gemini exchange is drawing fresh attention across the digital…

By – Rachel Moore
America March 10, 2026
Medtronic to Buy Scientia Vascular in $550 Million Neurovascular Deal

In a move poised to reshape the future of stroke treatment technology, Medtronic to buy Scientia Vascular marks a major…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America March 10, 2026
Google and Tesla Power Grid Initiative Targets Lower Energy Costs

Two of the world’s most influential technology companies are stepping into the energy policy arena, launching a campaign they say…

By – Rihem Akkouche
America February 21, 2026
When The Files Are Finally Unsealed The Most Mind-Bending Truth May Not Be What We Expect

[USA HERALD] – There is a widespread assumption that if governments release their most highly classified files related to unidentified…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 17, 2026
Civil Rights Icon Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84 As President Trump Issues Personal Tribute

[USA HERALD] — The Rev. Jesse Jackson, a towering figure of the American civil rights movement whose career spanned more than…

By – Samuel Lopez
America February 13, 2026
Clues to Savannah Guthrie Missing Mom’s Disappearance Found on Security System

The disappearance of the mother of Savannah Guthrie has taken a dramatic turn as investigators focus on digital clues tied…

By – Jackie Allen
America February 8, 2026
Mike Tyson Urges Americans to ‘Eat Real Food’ in Emotional Super Bowl Ad Highlighting Health Risks

Boxing legend Mike Tyson is using his platform ahead of Super Bowl 60 to address a personal and national health…

By – Tyler Brooks
America February 7, 2026
Deadly “Death Cap” Mushrooms in California Cause Multiple Deaths and Liver Transplants Amid Rare Super Bloom

California health officials are warning the public after four deaths and three liver transplants linked to the highly toxic death…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 7, 2026
From Migraines to Miracles: How Becca Valle Survived a Glioblastoma Diagnosis Against the Odds

Becca Valle, 41, thought her headaches were just migraines—until a sudden, unbearable pain revealed something far more serious. In September…

By – Tyler Brooks
America March 8, 2026
February Unemployment Up as Job Losses Surprise Economists

February Unemployment Up as the latest labor market data revealed weaker-than-expected job growth and a slight increase in the national…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Late-Night Attack by Venezuelan National at Florida Beach

A Late-night attack by a Venezuelan National has left a Florida community shaken after authorities say a 26-year-old man ambushed…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 8, 2026
Trump’s War in Iran: Congress Confronts Escalation After U.S. Strikes

Trump’s War in Iran  was triggered open conflict, casualties, and renewed constitutional debate in Washington. The crisis intensified following reports…

By – Jackie Allen
America March 1, 2026
Cadillac Names Inaugural Formula 1 Car MAC-26 in Tribute to Mario Andretti Ahead of 2026 Australian Grand Prix Debut

Cadillac has officially revealed the name of its first Formula 1 challenger, confirming that its 2026 car will be called…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 20, 2026
Norway Tops Medal Table After Day 13 at 2026 Winter Olympics as Team USA Surges Into Second Place

With 13 days complete at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Norway sits atop the overall medal standings, collecting 34…

By – Ahmed Boughalleb
America February 18, 2026
Olympic Science Explained: How Figure Skaters Spin at Blinding Speeds Without Getting Dizzy

When Amber Glenn finishes her routine, the arena usually rises with her. The music builds, her blades carve a tight…

By – Tyler Brooks

No posts found.

No posts found.

No comments No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Signup for the USA Herald
exclusive Newsletter