Want to go deeper? Visit ESA.
For further informationWatching the side of the Sun before it turns toward Earth.
Image: NASA/SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory), a solar flare seen in six wavelengths.
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Vigil will watch the Sun from the fifth Lagrange point (L5), seeing the "side" of the Sun and solar activity days before it rotates into view from Earth. ESA says it can give up to four to five days' notice of certain space weather effects, and measure the speed and direction of solar eruptions more clearly.
Source: ESA, Vigil mission overview
ESA signed a €340 million contract with Airbus Defence and Space UK to build it. Launch is planned for 2031 on an Ariane 6, with an expected five years of operations at L5.
Source: ESA, Airbus to build Vigil
Source: ESA, Vigil mission overview
A space weather forecasting mission that sees solar activity days before it rotates into view from Earth.
Source: ESA, Vigil mission overview
Launch planned for 2031 on an Ariane 6, with an expected five years of operations.
Source: ESA, Airbus to build Vigil
Up to four to five days' notice of certain space weather effects gives operators time to protect satellites and infrastructure.
Source: ESA, Vigil mission overview
Want to go deeper? Visit ESA.
For further information