SWFO-L1: NOAA's first satellite dedicated to space weather observations
Scheduled to launch in 2025, SWFO-L1 will be NOAA’s first satellite dedicated to space weather observations. From its unique vantage point at Lagrange Point 1, a million and a half kilometers from Earth, SWFO-L1 keeps an eye on the Sun’s corona 24/7 without interruption to provide early warning of solar storms heading our way.
SWFO-L1 will use a suite of instruments to make real time measurements of the solar wind, thermal plasma, and the magnetic field. In addition, the satellite will host a compact coronagraph instrument to detect coronal mass ejections, eruptions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona. SWFO-L1 will help to sustain NOAA’s foundational set of space-based, space weather observations and measurements to maintain continuity of critical space weather data and ensure our Nation doesn’t go a minute without eyes on the Sun.