description Van Allen Probes Overview
The Van Allen Probes were two identical NASA spacecraft launched together in 2012 to study the radiation belts surrounding Earth. Flying through these hazardous regions on elliptical orbits, they measured energetic particles, plasma, and electromagnetic fields to determine how the belts form and change during solar activity. Originally called the Radiation Belt Storm Probes, the mission operated for seven years before both spacecraft were shut down in 2019 as their fuel reserves declined.
help Van Allen Probes FAQ
What did the Van Allen Probes space mission study?
The Van Allen Probes were two identical NASA spacecraft launched together in 2012 to study the radiation belts surrounding Earth. They measured energetic particles, plasma, and electromagnetic fields to determine how these hazardous regions are created and change over time.
Why were the Van Allen Probes renamed?
The mission was originally named the Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) before being renamed the Van Allen Probes in honor of James Van Allen. James Van Allen was the physicist who discovered the Earth's radiation belts in 1958.
How did the Van Allen Probes survive the harsh radiation belts?
The two spacecraft were heavily shielded to withstand the extreme radiation environment they were designed to fly through. Their sensitive electronics were protected by thick aluminum plating, allowing them to survive for years in a region that would disable normal satellites.
When did the Van Allen Probes mission end?
The mission successfully concluded in 2019 when NASA intentionally commanded the two spacecraft to de-orbit and burn up in Earth's atmosphere. This was done to ensure they would not become hazardous space debris in the heavily trafficked orbital region.
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