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SWFO-L1

Space Weather Follow On - Lagrange 1

Future Mission

SWFO-L1 will keep a watchful eye on the Sun and near-Earth environment for space weather activity, using a suite of instruments to make real time measurements of the solar wind. The 24/7 data from SWFO-L1 will give operators critical lead time to take precautionary actions that protect vital infrastructure, economic interests and national security on Earth and in space.

Mission Type

Space Environment, Space Telescope, and Observatory

Target

Space Environment, Sun, Sun-Earth Interaction

Launch

Fall 2025

Objective

Monitor space weather from the Sun-Earth line at L1 for 24/7 operations to help protect critical infrastructure, the economy, and national security.

Benefits

SWFO-L1 is dedicated to operations and is mission critical to protect against space weather impacts, which can affect:

  • Satellite and Radio Communications
  • The Global Positioning System (GPS) and other navigation systems
  • Electric Power Grids
  • National Security and Defense
  • Aviation
  • Agriculture 
  • Emergency Response Efforts
  • Resource Discovery and Extraction
  • Space Commerce and Exploration, including human space flight

  • Collaboration Delivers the Mission

    NOAA and NASA have important and complementary responsibilities in the development, testing, launch, and operation of SWFO-L1. NOAA is the project owner that provides funds and manages the project, operations, and data products and dissemination to users. On behalf of NOAA, NASA and commercial partners develop and build the instruments and spacecraft and launch the satellites.

    SWFO illustration of a Sun, satellite, and the Earth in space.