BAE Systems selected to develop NOAA's next-generation space weather satellite

BAE Systems selected to develop NOAA's next-generation space weather satellite
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025

BAE Systems (LON: BA) has been chosen to construct the spacecraft bus for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) forthcoming Space Weather Next L1 Series mission. Designed as the successor to the Space Weather Follow-On L1 (SWFO-L1) mission, which is set for launch this year, the new spacecraft will deliver critical data to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), enhancing efforts to protect terrestrial and orbital infrastructure from space weather hazards.

Positioned at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), a stable location between the Earth and the sun, the L1 Series satellite will conduct continuous monitoring of solar activity. This includes detecting coronal mass ejections, solar flares, and variations in solar wind. The mission will serve as an early warning system for geomagnetic storms, aiding forecasts and mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of space weather on essential systems.

"As an increasing number of satellites enter orbit each year, and our reliance on these technologies continues to grow, spacecraft like Space Weather Next L1 Series are crucial to ensure we're doing everything possible to safeguard our most vulnerable infrastructure, both in space and here on Earth," said Dr. Alberto Conti, vice president and general manager of Civil Space for BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems. "We're proud to continue supporting NASA and NOAA in this important mission."

Space weather encompasses conditions in the region between Earth and the sun that can pose threats to both human health and technological systems. Solar activity releases radiation and charged particles that have the potential to disrupt communications, power grids, and GPS systems, damage satellites, and expose astronauts to harmful radiation. The L1 Series mission will carry at least five specialized instruments provided by partner organizations, ensuring real-time transmission of space weather data. This information will enable preventative measures such as protecting critical infrastructure, mitigating power outages, and adjusting spacecraft operations to avoid damage.

Beyond spacecraft bus development, BAE Systems will oversee spacecraft integration, conduct environmental testing, and support the mission's launch operations.

The L1 Series continues BAE Systems' history of collaboration with NASA and NOAA in heliophysics missions. This includes the SWFO-L1 mission, which is scheduled for launch in 2025, and the Carruthers Geocorona Observatory, a mission designed to provide unprecedented observations of Earth's exosphere in response to solar activity. Carruthers will be launched alongside SWFO-L1 later this year.

The L1 Series spacecraft is anticipated to launch in 2029.