description DSCOVR Overview
DSCOVR (Deep Space Climate Observatory) is a NOAA and NASA Earth observation and space weather spacecraft launched on February 11, 2015, and stationed at the Sun–Earth L1 Lagrange point approximately 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. It carries instruments to monitor solar wind plasma and magnetic field conditions, providing data used for geomagnetic storm warnings. Its EPIC camera produces full-disk color images of the illuminated side of Earth approximately every two hours.
insights Ranking position
DSCOVR ranks #63 of 100 in the Spacecraft ranking, behind Gemini 3, ahead of Northrop Grumman Cygnus.
help DSCOVR FAQ
Why is DSCOVR stationed at the Sun-Earth L1 point?
L1 gives DSCOVR a continuous view of the solar wind before it reaches Earth. From roughly 1.5 million kilometers sunward of Earth, its measurements can provide advance warning of conditions that may trigger geomagnetic storms.
What camera takes DSCOVR's full-Earth photographs?
The Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera, known as EPIC, captures the sunlit face of Earth in multiple wavelength bands. Its position near L1 allows repeated full-disk views that cannot be obtained from ordinary low Earth orbit.
When was DSCOVR launched?
DSCOVR launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in February 2015 and later entered its operational orbit around L1. The mission is operated through a partnership involving NOAA, NASA, and the U.S. Air Force.
Is DSCOVR mainly an Earth-imaging satellite or a space-weather satellite?
Its primary operational role is monitoring solar wind for space-weather forecasting. EPIC and the NISTAR instrument add Earth-observation science, including measurements of clouds, aerosols, ozone, vegetation, and Earth's radiation balance.
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