On November 15, 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a $60 million contract to develop advanced solar coronagraphs. These instruments will supply crucial data to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, which issues forecasts and alerts to mitigate the impacts of space weather, including disruptions to power and communication systems.
The contract, which spans from November 2024 to January 2034, involves the design, development, and testing of coronagraphs that will monitor the Sun's corona and detect coronal mass ejections aimed at Earth. This capability will enable timely warnings for geomagnetic storms, allowing organizations to safeguard their infrastructure.
Development will occur at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. NOAA will oversee the project, with NASA and commercial partners responsible for instrument and spacecraft development. This initiative represents a significant shift of coronagraph development from government to the commercial sector, ensuring continuity in solar observation.