3 minute read•Updated 6:11 PM EST, Fri February 21, 2025
NASA, on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has awarded a major delivery order to BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc. of Boulder, Colorado, to develop spacecraft for the Lagrange 1 Series project. The initiative is a critical component of NOAA’s Space Weather Next program, designed to ensure continuous space weather observations from deep-space vantage points.
The award, made under the Rapid Spacecraft Acquisition IV (Rapid IV) contract, carries a total value of approximately $230.6 million. The contract’s period of performance extends from February 2025 to February 2035, with the majority of the work being conducted at BAE Systems’ Boulder facility.
Scope of the Contract
The firm-fixed-price delivery order encompasses the full spectrum of operations for the Lagrange 1 Series project.
This includes:
Development of up to two spacecraft,
Integration of scientific instruments,
Satellite-level testing,
Training and support for the spacecraft flight operations team,
Mission operations support.
The Rapid IV contracts provide an expedited and flexible mechanism for the federal government to procure spacecraft, related components, and services, thereby enhancing the efficiency of NASA missions and other agency initiatives.
The Space Weather Next Program and Lagrange 1 Series
The Space Weather Next program is integral to NOAA’s strategy for monitoring space weather phenomena. The program ensures the continued collection of critical data from stable orbital positions such as Lagrange Point 1 (L1), which is located approximately one million miles from Earth in the direction of the Sun.
The first Space Weather Next Lagrange 1 Series spacecraft is scheduled for launch in 2029. As the inaugural observatory in the program, it will maintain the flow of real-time coronal imagery and upstream solar wind measurements. This will be crucial in preventing data gaps when NOAA’s current Space Weather Follow-On Lagrange 1 mission reaches the end of its operational lifespan.
Space Weather Monitoring
Monitoring solar activity and the near-Earth space environment is vital for protecting modern technological infrastructure. The data collected by these spacecraft will be transmitted to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), which provides forecasts, warnings, and alerts to mitigate the adverse effects of space weather.
These impacts include:
Disruptions to power grids and satellite communications,
Navigation system failures,
Radiation hazards to astronauts and high-altitude flights.
By maintaining continuous surveillance of solar activity, the Lagrange 1 Series will play a crucial role in safeguarding global technological systems against the unpredictable nature of space weather.
Roles of NOAA, NASA, and Industry Partners
NOAA oversees the Lagrange 1 Series project, defining the program requirements, providing funding, and managing operations, data dissemination, and end-user services.
NASA, in collaboration with its commercial partners, is responsible for developing the spacecraft, integrating scientific instruments, and overseeing launch services.
The partnership between NOAA, NASA, and private industry exemplifies a collaborative approach to advancing space-based environmental monitoring.
As BAE Systems leads the spacecraft development efforts, this investment highlights NOAA’s long-term commitment to enhancing space weather forecasting capabilities.
With the 2029 launch on the horizon, the Lagrange 1 Series represents a significant step forward in space weather observation. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, NOAA and NASA aim to ensure a seamless transition in solar monitoring, reinforcing the resilience of modern infrastructure against solar disruptions. The upcoming spacecraft will mark a new era in space-based weather forecasting, strengthening global preparedness for space weather events.
