SpaceX Launches NASA Twin Satellites to Study Dangerous Space Weather

NASA recently launched the TRACERS mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base to study how solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetic field, a process that triggers space weather phenomena like geomagnetic storms. The mission consists of twin satellites operating in the magnetosphere to gather critical data on magnetic reconnection events, which impact satellite operations, electrical grids, and communication systems on Earth. Alongside TRACERS, the launch included five other small satellites with diverse scientific objectives such as testing space-based 5G technology, assessing Earth's radiation budget, and improving air traffic management via space-based systems. Dartmouth scientists are heavily involved in the mission, focusing on understanding 'killer electrons,' highly charged particles that can damage satellites and are influenced by space weather. This research aims to improve forecasting of space weather events to better protect vital infrastructure and astronauts in space. The launch marks a significant advancement in space weather research and is streamed live on NASA's and Space.com's platforms.