TRACERS: Understanding the Sun’s Impact on Our Planet

Imagine an invisible yet powerful phenomenon capable of disrupting communications, electrical grids, and even creating the breathtaking auroras. This phenomenon is called magnetic reconnection—an explosive process that occurs when particles and magnetic fields from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field.

To better understand this process and its effects, NASA launched the TRACERS mission (Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites). Two satellites, working in tandem, were sent into low Earth orbit on July 23, 2025. Their goal? To study how solar activity influences our planet and help us prepare for its impacts.

Why Does This Matter?

Solar activity isn’t just a light show in the sky. It can have real-world consequences:

• Disruptions in telecommunications: Solar storms can interfere with GPS signals, radio communications, and even damage satellites.
• Risks to power grids: Electrical surges caused by these phenomena can lead to widespread blackouts.
• Auroras: While beautiful, these polar lights are a sign of intense interactions between the Sun and Earth.

By understanding magnetic reconnection, scientists can better predict these events and protect our infrastructure.

TRACERS: A Collaborative Mission

TRACERS doesn’t work alone. It collaborates with other NASA missions to provide a complete picture of the Sun-Earth interaction:

• MMS (Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission): Studies magnetic reconnection from deep space.
• PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere): Observes the solar wind and its impact on Earth’s atmosphere.
• EZIE (Electrojet Zeeman Imaging Explorer): Analyzes electrical currents in the atmosphere.

Together, these missions track the flow of solar energy from its origin to its arrival in our environment.

3D PLUS: Technology at the Heart of the Mission

At 3D PLUS, we are proud to contribute to this scientific adventure by providing essential electronic components:

• A PoL (Point of Load) : Ensures stable and precise power supply for measurement instruments.
• SRAM memory: Stores data collected by the satellites.

These technologies, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space, play a key role in the mission’s success.