NASA's TSIS-2 satellite successfully completed environmental testing and mass measurements, clearing a major milestone ahead of its 2027 launch.
Built to continue decades of solar radiation observations, the mission features specialized irradiance instruments developed with aerospace and university partners.
Engineers at General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems subjected the satellite to extreme temperatures, near-perfect vacuum conditions, and intense vibrations to ensure its systems would withstand the stresses of launch and orbital operation. In addition, measurements were taken to accurately determine its mass and center of gravity, ensuring its proper behavior during its installation on the rocket. The next step involves packaging the satellite in a special protective container and transporting it to the launch site.
The TSIS-2 instrument suite includes two main scientific instruments. The first, known as the Total Irradiance Monitor, will measure the total energy emitted by the Sun towards our planet. The second, the Spectral Irradiance Monitor, will record the distribution of this energy across different wavelengths, covering the ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared regions of light. Combining data from the two instruments will allow scientists to more accurately monitor changes in solar activity.
The new mission continues a long tradition of scientific measurements that began in 1978, helping to improve climate models and understanding the relationship between the Sun and Earth. TSIS-2 is scheduled to launch in early 2027 from New Zealand, using Rocket Lab's Electron rocket. The mission is a collaboration between NASA, GA-EMS, and the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, which developed the scientific instruments and will support their operation.
>Stay connected with Hacks.gr
Set us as a preferred source on Google and find us on social media.
Preferred source
↗
end of article
Top comments (0)