NASA’s PUNCH Mission to Revolutionize Solar Observations

Why in the news?

NASA is set to launch the PUNCH mission using SpaceX, featuring four satellites to study the Sun’s corona and solar wind with 3D polarimetry, improving space weather predictions and enhancing solar research and exploration over a two-year mission.

NASA’s PUNCH Mission to Revolutionize Solar Observations

Highlights of the  PUNCH Mission:

  • Full Form: Polarimetry to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH).
  • Objective: Provide detailed insights into the Sun’s corona and solar wind.
  • Launch Details:
    • Launched by: NASA
    • Rocket: SpaceX
    • Duration: Two years
  • Technology Used: Advanced polarimetry techniques for 3D imaging of the solar atmosphere.

Mission Structure & Functionality

  • Consists of four satellites, each weighing 64 kg, placed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Equipped with three Wide Field Imagers (WFI) and one Narrow Field Imager.
  • Imaging Frequency:
    • Raw images captured every four minutes using polarised filters.
    • Unpolarised images taken every eight minutes.
  • First-ever use of light polarisation to generate 3D measurements of the corona and solar wind.

Significance & Impact

  • Creates large-scale, high-resolution 3D imagery of the solar corona.
  • Enhances space weather predictions, aiding in understanding solar activity’s impact on Earth.
  • Supports protection of satellites and astronauts from solar storms.
  • Revolutionizes solar research, improving forecasting of space weather events.
  • Contributes to future space exploration by providing critical insights into the Sun’s influence on interplanetary space.