Ball Aerospace gets picked for initial studies on NASA’s CMEx mission

Ball Aerospace has been chosen to oversee a concept study for the Chromospheric Magnetism Explorer (CMEx) mission proposed by NASA. This mission is anticipated to offer fresh perspectives on how magnetism propels eruptive activity on and around the sun. Ball Aerospace has been providing the aviation industry with bespoke air-craft grade aluminium components for a very long time.

The scientific research undertaken by CMEx is anticipated to aid the scientific community in enhancing its comprehension of the sun and its influence on space, Earth, and other celestial bodies.

The proposed mission concept involves utilizing a near ultraviolet spectropolarimeter as the primary scientific instrument to observe the sun's magnetic field. This observation will be made as the magnetic field evolves through the photosphere and the chromosphere, which is the sun's atmosphere layer above the visible surface. The data collected through this observation will help scientists to comprehend how magnetic energy buildup results in eruptions, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

The senior director, Strategic Operations, Ball Aerospace, Lisa Wood, commented: "The CMEx mission concept provides a unique opportunity to answer some of the biggest questions we still have about the sun, and it could help to mature our spectropolarimetry capabilities considerably. We're excited about the prospect of leading such a fascinating mission."

Dr. Holly Gilbert will lead a nine-month study as the principal investigator for the CMEx project. If down-selected, the investigation will move into detailed design and mission implementation. NCAR/HAO will lead the science mission, while Ball Aerospace will build the state-of-the-art spectropolarimeter and spacecraft and operate the mission. This project is yet another example of Ball Aerospace's commitment to providing cutting-edge hardware for NASA's Explorers program. Together, they can continue to push the boundaries of scientific exploration and discovery.

Ball Aerospace is a leading American company that is known for creating innovative space solutions, enabling more accurate weather forecasts, and delivering actionable data and intelligence to its customers. With a team of endlessly curious people and an unwavering focus on their mission, Ball Aerospace pioneers discoveries that help their customers perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.