The National Academy of Sciences has released its latest decadal survey for heliophysics, a comprehensive report that outlines the top priorities for the next decade of research in the field. The survey, which was conducted by a committee of experts in heliophysics, recommends two flagship missions for NASA to explore the Sun and its impact on the solar system.
The first recommended mission is the Solar and Heliospheric Exploration (SHE) mission, which would focus on understanding the dynamics of the Sun’s corona and its impact on the solar wind. The SHE mission would involve launching a spacecraft into orbit around the Sun to study the solar wind and its effects on the solar system. This mission would provide critical insights into the Sun’s behavior and its impact on space weather, which is essential for predicting and mitigating the effects of solar storms on Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere.
The second recommended mission is the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere, and Solar-Terrestrial (MIST) mission, which would focus on understanding the interactions between the Earth’s magnetic field, the solar wind, and the upper atmosphere. The MIST mission would involve launching a constellation of spacecraft into orbit around the Earth to study the complex interactions between the Earth’s magnetic field, the solar wind, and the upper atmosphere. This mission would provide critical insights into the Earth’s magnetic field and its response to solar storms, which is essential for understanding the impacts of space weather on our planet.
Both missions would be designed to provide cutting-edge scientific research and would involve the development of advanced technologies, including new propulsion systems, advanced sensors, and sophisticated data analysis tools. The survey emphasizes the need for international collaboration and cooperation to achieve the ambitious goals outlined in the report.
The decadal survey also highlights the need for continued investment in heliophysics research, citing the significant advances that have been made in the field over the past decade. The survey notes that heliophysics research has led to significant improvements in our understanding of the Sun and its impact on the solar system, and has provided critical insights into the effects of space weather on Earth’s magnetic field and upper atmosphere.
The National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit organization that advises the federal government on scientific and technical matters. The decadal survey is a comprehensive report that is published every 10 years, providing a roadmap for the next decade of research in heliophysics. The survey is based on input from the scientific community, industry stakeholders, and government agencies, and is designed to provide a consensus view of the top priorities for the next decade of research in the field.
NASA has a long history of conducting heliophysics research, and has launched numerous spacecraft to study the Sun and its impact on the solar system. The agency’s current heliophysics program includes a range of missions, including the Parker Solar Probe, which is exploring the Sun’s corona, and the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, which is studying the Earth’s magnetic field.
The decadal survey is an important milestone for NASA’s heliophysics program, providing a roadmap for the next decade of research in the field. The agency is expected to use the survey as a guide for planning and prioritizing its future research efforts, and will work with the scientific community, industry stakeholders, and government agencies to implement the recommendations outlined in the report.
In addition to the two flagship missions, the survey recommends a range of smaller-scale research projects and initiatives, including the development of new technologies and the conduct of ground-based research. The survey also emphasizes the need for continued investment in education and outreach, citing the importance of inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers to pursue careers in heliophysics.
Overall, the decadal survey provides a comprehensive roadmap for the next decade of heliophysics research, emphasizing the need for advanced technologies, international collaboration, and continued investment in the field. The survey’s recommendations are expected to have a significant impact on NASA’s heliophysics program, and will help to shape the agency’s research efforts in the years to come.
The decadal survey is available online, and provides a detailed overview of the top priorities for the next decade of heliophysics research. The report includes a range of recommendations, including the two flagship missions, as well as smaller-scale research projects and initiatives. The survey is an important resource for scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of heliophysics research and the future directions of the field.
