NASA and US Space Force launch STORIE mission to ISS
Updated
Updated · Space.com · May 7
NASA and US Space Force launch STORIE mission to ISS
9 articles · Updated · Space.com · May 7
The payload is due to fly no earlier than 12 May on SpaceX's 34th cargo mission and be mounted externally on the station via the Houston 11 defence research package.
STORIE will track energetic neutral atoms, especially oxygen, to determine whether the ring current's charged particles come mainly from Earth's atmosphere or the solar wind.
Researchers say better measurements during the solar cycle peak could improve forecasts of storms that damage satellites, increase orbital drag and disrupt power lines, pipelines and other infrastructure.
With the launch days away, how will this mission help shield our vital power grids from the sun's fury?
Will STORIE finally solve the mystery of whether Earth's atmosphere, or the sun, fuels its hazardous ring current?
What does this NASA-Space Force partnership signal about the future of protecting critical technology in orbit?