The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has released its decadal survey for heliophysics, a comprehensive report that outlines the priorities and recommendations for NASA’s heliophysics program over the next decade. The survey, which is conducted every 10 years, provides a roadmap for the agency’s research and exploration efforts in the field of heliophysics, which is the study of the Sun and its impact on the solar system.
One of the key recommendations of the survey is the launch of two flagship missions that will explore the Sun and its effects on the solar system. The first mission, called the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SHO), will focus on understanding the Sun’s behavior and its impact on the Earth’s magnetic field. The SHO mission will include a suite of instruments that will study the Sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere of the Sun, and the solar wind, the stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun.
The second mission, called the Magnetosphere and Aurora Explorer (MAG-EX), will explore the Earth’s magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind. The MAG-EX mission will include a suite of instruments that will study the Earth’s magnetic field, the aurora, and the impact of space weather on the Earth’s atmosphere.
Both missions are expected to launch in the late 2020s and will provide scientists with a wealth of new data and insights into the Sun’s behavior and its effects on the solar system. The missions will also help to improve our understanding of space weather, which can have a significant impact on the Earth’s magnetic field, communication systems, and the safety of astronauts and satellites in space.
The decadal survey also recommends a number of smaller missions and research projects that will focus on specific aspects of heliophysics, such as the study of the Sun’s corona, the solar wind, and the impact of space weather on the Earth’s atmosphere. These missions will provide scientists with a more detailed understanding of the Sun’s behavior and its effects on the solar system, and will help to lay the foundation for future flagship missions.
The recommendations of the decadal survey are based on a comprehensive review of the current state of heliophysics research and the future needs of the field. The survey was conducted by a committee of experts in the field of heliophysics, who reviewed the latest research and developments in the field and identified the key priorities and challenges for the next decade.
The release of the decadal survey is an important milestone for NASA’s heliophysics program, and provides a roadmap for the agency’s research and exploration efforts in the field over the next decade. The survey’s recommendations will help to guide NASA’s decision-making process and ensure that the agency’s investments in heliophysics research are aligned with the needs and priorities of the scientific community.
In addition to the two flagship missions, the decadal survey recommends a number of other initiatives and activities that will help to advance the field of heliophysics. These include the development of new technologies and instruments, the establishment of new research programs and collaborations, and the expansion of educational and outreach activities.
The decadal survey also highlights the importance of international cooperation in heliophysics research, and recommends that NASA continue to collaborate with other space agencies and research organizations around the world. This cooperation will help to leverage resources and expertise, and will enable scientists to tackle complex research questions and challenges that require a global effort.
Overall, the decadal survey provides a comprehensive and ambitious roadmap for NASA’s heliophysics program over the next decade. The survey’s recommendations will help to guide the agency’s research and exploration efforts, and will ensure that the United States remains a leader in the field of heliophysics.
The two flagship missions recommended by the decadal survey will play a critical role in advancing our understanding of the Sun and its impact on the solar system. The SHO mission will provide scientists with a wealth of new data and insights into the Sun’s behavior, while the MAG-EX mission will help to improve our understanding of the Earth’s magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind.
Both missions will be equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and technologies that will enable scientists to study the Sun and the Earth’s magnetic field in unprecedented detail. The missions will also provide a platform for scientists to conduct research and make new discoveries that will help to advance our understanding of the solar system.
The decadal survey’s recommendations are based on a comprehensive review of the current state of heliophysics research and the future needs of the field. The survey’s authors consulted with a wide range of stakeholders, including scientists, engineers, and policymakers, to ensure that the recommendations are aligned with the needs and priorities of the scientific community.
The release of the decadal survey is an important milestone for NASA’s heliophysics program, and provides a roadmap for the agency’s research and exploration efforts in the field over the next decade. The survey’s recommendations will help to guide NASA’s decision-making process and ensure that the agency’s investments in heliophysics research are aligned with the needs and priorities of the scientific community.
In conclusion, the decadal survey provides a comprehensive and ambitious roadmap for NASA’s heliophysics program over the next decade. The survey’s recommendations will help to guide the agency’s research and exploration efforts, and will ensure that the United States remains a leader in the field of heliophysics. The two flagship missions recommended by the survey will play a critical role in advancing our understanding of the Sun and its impact on the solar system, and will provide scientists with a wealth of new data and insights into the Sun’s behavior and its effects on the Earth’s magnetic field.
