2003

Coriolis satellite launch from Vandenberg AFB.

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate successfully launched its Solar Mass Ejection Imager (SMEI) experiment aboard the Coriolis satellite in January 2003. SMEI consists of three charge couple device (CCD) sensors mounted on camera baffles. The experiment was designed to acquire images of hot ionized gases called coronal mass ejections (CMEs) propagating from the sun moving towards earth through the solar wind. Detection of these CMEs is necessary for prediction of geomagnetic storms that can potentially degrade satellite communication and surveillance systems, increase drag and deteriorate satellite altitude controls, and send destructive surges through power grids. Additionally, acquired data assisted astronomers in understanding solar phenomena.