NASA has recently made significant strides in its ongoing exploration of space weather phenomena by selecting two mission concepts for further development. These mission concepts aim to provide deeper insights into the dynamic processes occurring within our solar system, particularly focusing on Earth’s magnetosphere and the Sun’s chromosphere. Such advancements are crucial for enhancing our understanding of space weather events, which can have far-reaching effects on both ground-based and space-based infrastructures.
In a noteworthy development, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate Science Management Council has given the green light for the CINEMA mission concept to progress to Phase B. CINEMA, which stands for Cross-scale Investigation of Earth’s Magnetotail and Aurora, will enter a phase of development that includes meticulous planning and design for both flight and mission operations. The mission is spearheaded by Robyn Millan from Dartmouth College, based in Hanover, New Hampshire.
The primary objective of the CINEMA mission is to delve into the intricate processes of plasma energy flow within Earth’s magnetosphere. This flow, known for its unpredictability, can sometimes manifest as steady streams but can also become explosively dynamic. Such variations drive phenomena including rapid plasma jets, global electrical current systems, and the awe-inspiring auroral displays often seen in polar regions.
According to Joe Westlake, director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington, the CINEMA mission is poised to unravel the complexities of magnetic convection within Earth’s magnetosphere. This understanding is crucial for predicting the impact of space weather events, which can range from causing magnificent auroras to disrupting vital infrastructures both on Earth and in space. By utilizing multiple, multi-point measurements, the mission aims to enhance predictability of these impacts, ultimately safeguarding human activities and technological systems across the solar system.
CINEMA will employ a constellation of nine small satellites, each equipped with specialized instruments. These include an energetic particle detector, an auroral imager, and a magnetometer. Positioned in a polar low Earth orbit, these satellites will work in unison to investigate the mysterious convective processes. By correlating the observations of energetic particles with simultaneous auroral images and local magnetic field measurements, the mission hopes to link energetic activity in Earth’s large-scale magnetic structure to visible phenomena such as auroras in the ionosphere.
The funding allocated for the CINEMA mission to enter Phase B amounts to approximately $28 million. Notably, the total cost of the mission, excluding launch expenses, is capped at $182.8 million. Phase B is scheduled to last 10 months, and if the mission is selected for continuation, a launch could occur no earlier than 2030.
In parallel, NASA has also chosen the CMEx (Chromospheric Magnetism Explorer) mission concept for an extended Phase A study. This extended phase is intended to allow for a thorough assessment and refinement of the mission’s design for potential future consideration. Holly Gilbert, from the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, leads the CMEx mission concept study. The budget allocated for this extended Phase A amounts to $2 million over a 12-month period.
The CMEx mission concept proposes a single-spacecraft mission utilizing proven UV spectropolarimetric instrumentation. This technology was previously demonstrated during NASA’s CLASP (Chromospheric Layer Spectropolarimeter) sub-orbital sounding rocket flight. By leveraging this heritage hardware, CMEx aims to diagnose the lower layers of the Sun’s chromosphere. The mission seeks to understand the origins of solar eruptions and identify the magnetic sources of the solar wind.
Both the CINEMA and CMEx mission concepts emerged from a one-year early concept study, conducted in response to NASA’s 2022 Heliophysics Explorers Program Small-class Explorer (SMEX) Announcement of Opportunity. This program encourages innovative and cost-effective mission concepts that aim to address key questions in heliophysics.
Asal Naseri, acting associate flight director for heliophysics at NASA Headquarters, emphasized the growing importance of understanding space and its impacts on our daily lives. The advancement of these mission concepts holds the potential to improve our ability to predict solar events that could jeopardize satellites essential for communication, navigation, and other critical functions. Additionally, these missions aim to mitigate risks to astronauts operating in space, whether near Earth, at the Moon, or on future missions to Mars.
For those interested in exploring more about NASA’s heliophysics missions, additional information can be found on NASA’s official website.
In summary, NASA’s selection of the CINEMA and CMEx mission concepts marks a significant step forward in the quest to unravel the mysteries of space weather phenomena. By focusing on the dynamic processes within Earth’s magnetosphere and the Sun’s chromosphere, these missions aim to provide valuable insights that will enhance our ability to predict and mitigate the impacts of space weather on both technological systems and human activities. As these mission concepts continue to advance through their respective phases of development, they hold the promise of contributing to a deeper understanding of our solar system and its complex interactions.
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