On Sept. 23, a spacecraft will launch with a clear mission — to keep a constant watch on the sun to help protect Earth from space weather. The satellite, Space Weather Follow-On L1 (SWFO-L1), is launching just in time, as scientists warn our aging fleet of solar sentinels is reaching the end of its life.
"It's extremely urgent. These satellites, ACE, SOHO, DSCOVR, are all working beyond their design life," Richard Ullman, deputy director, NOAA Office of Space Weather Observations, said during a media press briefing on Aug. 21. "The need is urgent, and we must replace this capability now."
