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NASA’s TRACERS Continues Recovery Efforts for One Satellite [1]

['Abbey Interrante']

Date: 2025-08-05

NASA’s TRACERS Continues Recovery Efforts for One Satellite

Teams for NASA’s TRACERS (Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites) mission, which launched on July 23, are continuing recovery efforts for one satellite, called Space Vehicle 1 (SV1). The other satellite, called Space Vehicle 2 (SV2), remains in good health and has started the commissioning process.

An issue with the power subsystem on July 25 resulted in intermittent contacts and a loss of communication with SV1. Indications from earlier data suggest the spacecraft can only be active when it is receiving adequate power through its solar panels. Because of the spacecraft’s current orientation, the next opportunity to reestablish contact and implement further recovery steps is later in August, when SV1’s solar panels will receive more sunlight. The team is reviewing data collected from the spacecraft to diagnose and determine next steps. Following any contact with the spacecraft, the team will assess status and any impact to the mission’s science goals.

The SV2 spacecraft is operational, and the commissioning for the spacecraft and instruments are progressing as expected. NASA anticipates completing commissioning for SV2 by the end of August.

The TRACERS mission launched to study magnetic reconnection and its effects in Earth’s atmosphere. Magnetic reconnection occurs when activity from the Sun interacts with Earth’s magnetic field. By understanding this process, scientists will be able to better understand and prepare for impacts of solar activity on Earth.

No significant updates on SV1 are expected for a few weeks. NASA will provide these updates at:

https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/tracers

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[1] Url: https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/tracers/2025/08/05/nasas-tracers-continues-recovery-efforts-for-one-satellite/

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