NASA Assessing One of Two Satellites Set to Study Magnetic Reconnection

After launch of NASA’s TRACERS (Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites) mission on July 23, the team successfully achieved telemetry lock and command functions with each of the two satellites. During the commissioning process, the team made routine adjustments to the power subsystem on both vehicles.

While the adjustments achieved the desired results on one satellite, the other satellite requires further investigation by the team. Commissioning operations are temporarily paused while the team analyzes the situation and determines the appropriate response. NASA will provide additional updates online at:

https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/tracers

The TRACERS mission launched to study magnetic reconnection and its effects in Earth’s atmosphere. Magnetic reconnection 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.