NASA has awarded a significant delivery order worth $230.6 million to BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc. for the NOAA's Space Weather Next program.

This initiative is designed to provide continuous real-time data on solar activity and solar wind measurements, which are essential for predicting the effects of space weather.

As part of the Lagrange 1 Series project, the program will enhance space weather observations from Lagrange 1, a point located approximately one million miles from Earth.

The delivery order includes the development of up to two spacecraft, instrument integration, satellite testing, training for flight operations, and comprehensive mission support.

While NASA is responsible for the development and launch of the satellites, NOAA will manage the program requirements, funding, and dissemination of data.

Data collected from these spacecraft will be utilized by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center to issue forecasts and alerts, helping to mitigate impacts on power and communication systems.

The first launch of the Space Weather Next Lagrange 1 Series is anticipated in 2029, marking the debut of this critical observatory.

The contract for this project is set to last from February 2025 to February 2035, with all operations conducted at BAE's facility in Boulder, Colorado.