The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is preparing to launch a new satellite, the Space Weather Follow-On Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1), on September 23, 2025. This mission aims to replace aging space weather monitoring satellites and enhance the nation’s ability to predict and prepare for solar storms that can impact technology and infrastructure on Earth.
Aging Satellites and the Need for Replacement
For decades, NOAA has relied on satellites such as the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) and the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) to monitor space weather. However, these spacecraft are operating beyond their intended lifespans. Richard Ullman, Deputy Director of NOAA’s Office of Space Weather Observations, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “It’s extremely urgent. These satellites, ACE, SOHO, DSCOVR, are all working beyond their design life,” he stated during a media briefing on August 21. “The need is urgent, and we must replace this capability now.”
SWFO-L1: A Dedicated Space Weather Sentinel
The SWFO-L1 satellite is designed specifically for continuous, operational space weather observations. It will be positioned at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), approximately one million miles from Earth, where it will have an unobstructed view of solar activity. Equipped with a compact coronagraph and instruments to measure solar wind, plasma, and magnetic fields, SWFO-L1 will provide real-time data to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center. This information will enable forecasters to issue timely alerts for potential space weather events. ([NEDDIS][2])
Mission Details
- Launch Date: September 23, 2025
- Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5
- Launch Site: NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida
- Orbit: Lagrange Point 1 (L1)
- Instruments: Compact Coronagraph (CCOR), Solar Wind Plasma Sensor (SWiPS), Supra-Thermal Ion Sensor (STIS), Magnetometer (MAG) ([Wikipedia][3])
Importance of Space Weather Monitoring
Solar storms, particularly Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), can disrupt GPS systems, communication networks, and power grids. By monitoring solar activity in real-time, SWFO-L1 will provide critical lead time for mitigating the effects of these events. As NOAA forecaster Shawn Dahl noted, the satellite will significantly enhance the accuracy of space weather forecasts, contributing to the protection of the nation’s technological infrastructure. ([Space][1])
Looking Ahead
SWFO-L1 is the first in a series of missions under NOAA’s Space Weather Next program, which aims to ensure continuity and expand capabilities in space weather monitoring. The satellite will be renamed Space Weather Observations at L1 to Advance Readiness (SOLAR)-1 once it reaches its intended orbit. Future missions, including SOLAR-2, are planned to further enhance space weather forecasting capabilities. ([NEDDIS][2])
As the launch date approaches, NOAA and its partners are preparing for a successful mission that will bolster the nation’s resilience against space weather threats.
