The Solar Mass Ejection Imager experiment, orbiting the Earth about 50 miles up aboard the Coriolis satellite, has photographed more than 200 “coronal mass ejections,” since it became operational in January 2003, according to officials at Air Force Research Lab’s Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB, N.M. The object of the experiment is to aid forecasters as they try to anticipate communication disruptions caused by destructive clouds of solar particles impacting the Earth. The SMEI has demonstrated a 30 percent improvement in the accuracy of forecasts.
Space Force Adds Unit Tying Acquisition to Test and Training
Sept. 18, 2025
The Space Force has introduced a host of new and revamped deltas in recent months to tighten the ties between acquisition and operations. Now, a new unit is adding training to the mix.