CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (WTXL) -- Monitoring ever-changing conditions beyond the reaches of the earth's atmosphere will become less complicated thanks to the upcoming launch of an observation satellite.
The Deep Space Climate Observatory, also known by its acronym DSCOVR, will provide a variety of data related to solar wind and magnetic energy flows, some of which can impact power and navigation system functions on Earth.
DSCOVR is scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral on the evening of Jan. 23, 2015, the start of a 110-day journey to reach an orbit about one million miles from Earth. Its first data transmissions are expected in the fall.
"Like weather prediction on Earth, space weather prediction begins with reliable observations,” said Louis Uccellini, Ph.D., assistant administrator at NOAA's National Weather Service. “DSCOVR will provide the observations necessary to help us deliver targeted, critical forecasts to industries affected by space weather so they can take the necessary steps to protect infrastructure and be more resilient.”
The new satellite system will complement the existing Advanced Composition Explorer research satellite NASA put online 17 years ago.
