# PUNCH-WFI 3 > NASA heliophysics satellite, part of the PUNCH constellation **Wikidata**: [Q133266222](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q133266222) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/punch-wfi-3 ## Summary PUNCH-WFI 3 is a NASA-funded heliophysics satellite and solar observatory, operating as part of the PUNCH constellation. Launched on March 12, 2025, it carries a Wide Field Imager instrument to observe distant space objects. The Southwest Research Institute serves as its operator and prime contractor. ## Key Facts * PUNCH-WFI 3 is a NASA-funded heliophysics satellite and solar observatory, part of the PUNCH constellation. * It was launched on March 12, 2025, at 03:10:12 UTC, from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. * The satellite's launch vehicle was a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket (B1088.3). * The Southwest Research Institute is the operator and prime contractor for PUNCH-WFI 3. * It has a launch mass of 64 kilograms. * PUNCH-WFI 3 carries a Wide Field Imager scientific instrument. * Its dimensions are 0.923 meters in length, 0.6 meters in width, and 0.320 meters in height. * It is classified as a microsatellite and a space telescope. * PUNCH-WFI 3 is powered by a spacecraft solar array. ## FAQs ### Q: What is PUNCH-WFI 3? A: PUNCH-WFI 3 is a NASA-funded heliophysics satellite and solar observatory, operating as part of the PUNCH constellation. It was launched on March 12, 2025, and carries a Wide Field Imager instrument to observe distant space objects. ### Q: Who operates PUNCH-WFI 3? A: PUNCH-WFI 3 is operated by the Southwest Research Institute, which is also the prime contractor for the satellite. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is its funder. ### Q: When was PUNCH-WFI 3 launched? A: PUNCH-WFI 3 was launched on March 12, 2025, at 03:10:12 UTC. It was launched from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East aboard a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. ### Q: What scientific instrument does PUNCH-WFI 3 carry? A: PUNCH-WFI 3 carries a Wide Field Imager scientific instrument, designed for observing distant space objects as part of its heliophysics mission. ### Q: What are the physical dimensions of PUNCH-WFI 3? A: PUNCH-WFI 3 measures 0.923 meters in length, 0.6 meters in width, and 0.320 meters in height. It has a launch mass of 64 kilograms. ## Why It Matters PUNCH-WFI 3 plays a crucial role as a heliophysics satellite and solar observatory within the PUNCH constellation. As part of this mission, it contributes to observing distant space objects, specifically utilizing its Wide Field Imager instrument. Understanding the Sun's outer corona and the solar wind is vital for space weather prediction, which can impact Earth's technology and infrastructure, including communication systems, GPS, and power grids. By providing data on these phenomena, PUNCH-WFI 3, alongside its companion satellites, helps scientists gain a more comprehensive view of the Sun's influence on the heliosphere, the vast region of space dominated by the solar wind. This research is fundamental to advancing our knowledge of solar physics and its broader implications for space exploration and protecting Earth-bound systems from solar disturbances. ## Notable For * Being one of the satellites in the PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) constellation, focusing on heliophysics research. * Carrying a Wide Field Imager instrument, contributing to observations of the Sun's outer corona and the solar wind. * Its classification as a microsatellite with a launch weight of 64 kilograms, demonstrating compact design for space observation. * Its launch alongside other PUNCH satellites (PUNCH-NFI, PUNCH-WFI 1, PUNCH-WFI 2) and the SPHEREx observatory on a single Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket. ## Body ### Overview PUNCH-WFI 3 is a NASA-funded heliophysics satellite and solar observatory, operating as an integral part of the PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) constellation. It is also known by several aliases, including PUNCH-Wide Field Imager 3, SMEX 15D, Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere - Wide Field Imager 3, and Explorer 100. The satellite is classified as a space telescope and a microsatellite. ### Specifications * **Type:** Heliophysics satellite, solar observatory, space telescope, microsatellite * **Funder:** National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) * **Operator:** Southwest Research Institute * **Manufacturer:** Southwest Research Institute (prime contractor), Rutherford Appleton Laboratory * **Country of Origin:** United States * **Launch Mass:** 64 kilograms (launch weight) * **Dimensions:** * Length: 0.923 meters * Width: 0.6 meters * Height: 0.320 meters * **Power Source:** Spacecraft solar array * **Scientific Instrument:** Wide Field Imager ### Launch Details PUNCH-WFI 3 was launched on March 12, 2025, at 03:10:12 UTC. The launch originated from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East. The satellite was deployed into space by a Falcon 9 Block 5 launch vehicle, specifically using booster B1088.3. This launch was part of a multi-payload mission, with PUNCH-WFI 3 being launched concurrently with the SPHEREx observatory and other PUNCH constellation satellites: PUNCH-NFI, PUNCH-WFI 1, and PUNCH-WFI 2. ### Identifiers * **COSPAR ID:** 2025-047C * **NSSDCA ID:** 2025-047C * **SCN:** 63180 ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/explorer_punch.htm) 2. [Source](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/content/dam/science/missions/punch/PUNCH%20Press%20Kit%20Updated%20Feb%2020%202025.pdf) 3. [Source](https://blogs.nasa.gov/punch/2025/03/12/nasas-punch-begins-mission-to-study-solar-wind/) 4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2025-047C) 5. Space-Track 6. [NASA, SpaceX launch SPHEREx observatory and PUNCH heliophysics mission from California. NASASpaceflight. 2025](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/03/spherex-punch-launch/) 7. Jonathan's Space Report 8. [Source](https://punch.space.swri.edu/punch_about_mission.php) 9. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/punch#spacecraft)