CCOR-2, identified as the main instrument on SWFO-L1, marks a substantial advancement in coronagraph technology, delivering improved functionalities compared to its predecessor and guaranteeing ongoing, dependable monitoring of space weather.
It was sent into space aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Follow On-Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1) observatory from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida.
Once it attains its final orbit, SWFO-L1 will be rebranded as Space Weather Observations at L1 to Advance Readiness (SOLAR)-1 to deliver essential observations related to space weather.
This instrument is designed to collect and distribute data to enhance forecasting capabilities, deepen science's understanding of the solar corona, and develop the USA's capacity to predict and comprehend disruptive space weather phenomena.
The SWFO-L1 Mission
SWFO-L1 is part of the inaugural NOAA observatory, specifically designed and entirely committed to ongoing, operational observations of space weather.
This deep-space mission will function in a Lissajous orbit at the Sun-Earth Lagrange 1 (L1) point, facilitating unobstructed observation of the Sun’s corona and permitting upstream measurements of solar wind disturbances before reaching Earth. The satellite will act as the primary line of defense and will function as an early warning signal for geomagnetic storms.
The NOAA Office of Projects Planning and Analysis funded the NRL's development, construction, and testing of the CCOR series of operational solar coronagraphs.
CCOR-2 is designed to observe the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the solar corona. It uses a single external occulter, a cylindrical device that obstructs direct sunlight, to produce an artificial eclipse. This setup enables the telescope to concentrate solely on the subtle features of the corona.
CCOR-2 builds on the achievements of NRL's CCOR-1, which is currently operational on NOAA's GOES-19 satellite positioned in geostationary orbit.
Unlike CCOR-1, which, due to its geostationary position, undergoes daily eclipses as the Earth moves between the satellite and the Sun, CCOR-2 will be stationed at Lagrange Point 1 (L1). This strategic location offers a continuous, 24/7 observation of the Sun.
The L1 position, combined with a slightly expanded field of view and the capability to observe closer to the solar surface, enables CCOR-2 to capture a greater number of images and to detect Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) more swiftly as they approach the solar disk, while still capturing images every 15 minutes, similar to CCOR-1.
CCOR-2's design focuses on high-fidelity coronal imaging, minimizing stray light to maximize contrast and enable accurate measurements of coronal density and velocity. By isolating the corona, we can directly observe the evolution of structures such as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and track their propagation through the heliosphere.
Arnaud Thernisien, Ph.D., Research Physicist, Advanced Sensor Technology Section, Space Science Division, NRL
The main aim of CCOR-2 is to observe Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), which are significant releases of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun's corona. The CCOR series is designed to identify CMEs and assess their trajectory, mass, and velocity, with the intention of forecasting any geo-effective consequences on Earth.
Impacts of Space Weather on Earth
Thernisien clarified that Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are the main catalysts for geomagnetic storms, which are defined by considerable disruptions in Earth's magnetosphere due to the effective transfer of energy from the solar wind. These geomagnetic storms occur when there are prolonged intervals of high-velocity solar wind combined with a southward-oriented component of the interplanetary magnetic field, enabling magnetic reconnection and energy transfer at the Earth's magnetopause.
Geomagnetic storms are a manifestation of the dynamic interaction between the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere. Understanding the initiation and propagation of CMEs, and their subsequent impact on the Earth's magnetosphere, is crucial for predicting and mitigating the adverse effects of space weather.
Damien Chua, Ph.D., Research Physicist, Advanced Sensor Technology Section, Space Science Division, NRL
The effects of geomagnetic storms can vary from short-term operational irregularities to considerable damage to infrastructure.
The ability to accurately forecast the arrival and intensity of CMEs is critical for protecting vulnerable assets in space and on the ground. CCOR-2 provides crucial data to improve space weather models and enhance our predictive capabilities.
Timothy Babich, Engineer and Project Manager, Power Systems and Instrumentation Section, Spacecraft Engineering Division, NRL
Although coronal mass ejections (CMEs) generally take several days to travel from the Sun to Earth, the most powerful occurrences have been noted to reach our planet in as little as 18 hours. Consequently, prompt and precise observations from instruments such as CCOR-2 are crucial.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center will analyze data obtained from SWFO-L1. Archived information will be accessible through the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service’s National Center for Environmental Information.
CCOR-2 on SWFO-L1 is a critical advance in the capacity to predict and mitigate the effects of space weather, enhancing the robustness of essential infrastructure and protecting national security priorities.
A modified version of CCOR will also fly aboard the European Space Agency's Vigil mission, which is expected to launch in 2031.