NASA Selects Four Small Explorer Mission Concept Studies
NASA has selected four small explorer missions for concept studies that aim to enhance our understanding of the Sun and its effects on Earth. These missions will investigate various aspects of heliophysics, including the dynamics of the Sun, coronal mass ejections, auroras, and solar wind. If chosen to proceed after concept studies, they will contribute valuable insights to our knowledge of the solar atmosphere and space weather, which is crucial for protecting astronauts, satellites, and communication signals. The selected missions include CINEMA, CMEx, EUV CME and Coronal Connectivity Observatory (ECCCO), and MAAX, each focusing on specific areas of solar research. These endeavors hold the potential to advance heliophysics research and complement existing missions while building on current technology and knowledge. Funding and management oversight for these missions are provided by the Heliophysics Explorers Program at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.