Science / Space
NASA sunlight mission passes vacuum and vibration tests
TSIS-2 remains on the ground, with launch targeted for early 2027.
Status: source-checked.
NASA’s TSIS-2 spacecraft passed thermal-vacuum and vibration testing this fall, the agency said in a Nov. 2 update. The tests subjected the sunlight-measuring observatory to temperature and pressure conditions associated with space and shaking meant to simulate launch.
The spacecraft carries two instruments that measure the total intensity of sunlight and its distribution across ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared wavelengths. NASA said those measurements will extend existing records of changes in the Sun’s energy output.
According to NASA, launch is targeted for early 2027 from New Zealand aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket. Passing the ground tests is a step toward transport and rocket integration, not confirmation of a launch date.
What we know / what we don't
What we know
- NASA’s TSIS-2 spacecraft passed thermal-vacuum and vibration testing this fall, the agency said in a Nov. 2 update. The tests subjected the sunlight-measuring observatory to temperature and pressure conditions associated with space and shaking meant to simulate launch.
- The spacecraft carries two instruments that measure the total intensity of sunlight and its distribution across ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared wavelengths. NASA said those measurements will extend existing records of changes in the Sun’s energy output.
- According to NASA, launch is targeted for early 2027 from New Zealand aboard a Rocket Lab Electron rocket. Passing the ground tests is a step toward transport and rocket integration, not confirmation of a launch date.
What we don't know
- Launch timing is a target and remains subject to change.
The source record