NASA Launches Two New Sun Missions to Help Understand Sun-Earth Relationship

The Multi-slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) and HelioSwarm are two research missions chosen by NASA to help scientists better understand the Sun's dynamics, the Sun-Earth relationship, and the continuously changing space environment.

Solar Missions

These missions will provide us with a better understanding of the universe and vital information that will aid in the protection of astronauts, satellites, and GPS transmissions, as mentioned in a report by Satellite Prome.

"MUSE and HelioSwarm will bring new and deeper understanding into the solar envirhonment and space weather," said Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator for Science at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

The science of our previous heliophysics missions is not only expanded, but they also give a new viewpoint and method to comprehending the secrets of our star's mysteries.

Purpose of MUSE Mission

The MUSE mission will aid scientists in gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms that cause the Sun's corona to heat up and the eruptions that occur there, which are at the heart of space weather. By utilizing a multi-slit spectrometer to detect the Sun's harsh ultraviolet light and collect the finest resolution pictures yet taken of the solar transition area and corona, the mission will provide a greater understanding of the physics of the solar atmosphere.

The Extreme UltraViolet Spectroscopic Telescope and ground-based observatories will also give complementing observations from heliophysics studies.

"MUSE will help us cover critical gaps in information relevant to the Sun-Earth link," said Nicola Fox, director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters. "It will add to the heliophysics mission fleet by providing new information about space weather and complementing a slew of other heliophysics projects."

The principal investigator is Bart DePontieu of the Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center (LMATC) in Palo Alto, California. The cost of this mission is $192 million.

Helioswarm

HelioSwarm comprises a single hub spacecraft and eight tiny satellites that orbit in a different direction from the hub spacecraft. The hub spacecraft and the NASA Deep Space Network of spacecraft communication antennae will make all radio communications between the swarm and Earth.

"The technical novelty of HelioSwarm's tiny satellites functioning together as a constellation gives the unique opportunity to explore turbulence and its evolution in the solar wind," said Peg Luce, deputy head of the Heliophysics Division.

Purpose of Space Exploration

Human space exploration aids in answering fundamental questions regarding our solar system's history and location in the universe. We advance technology, generate new businesses, and foster a peaceful relationship with other countries by tackling the issues associated with human space travel.

It is human nature to be curious, and accepting the challenge of traveling farther into space will entice today's citizens and future generations to join NASA on this fascinating adventure.

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