SpaceX to launch NASA’s TRACERS to understand Earth’s magnetic re-connection on Tuesday from California – SatNews

TRACERS Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 will launch Tuesday, July 22, at 11:05 AM – 12:44 PM PDT from Vandenberg, California to reach Heliophysics Orbit, Sun-Synchronous Orbit.

NASA’s Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission, consisting of two identical satellites that will orbit Earth in tandem (one following the other), will help understand magnetic re-connection and its effects in Earth’s atmosphere. Magnetic re-connection occurs when activity from the Sun interacts with Earth’s magnetic field. By understanding this process, scientists will be able to better understand and prepare for impacts of solar activity on Earth.

The Falcon 9 booster will attempt to return to the launch site at LZ-4 after its flight.