# TRACERS-A

> NASA heliophysics spacecraft investigating solar particles interacting with Earth's magnetosphere

**Wikidata**: [Q135476446](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135476446)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tracers-a

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **TRACERS-A**:

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## Summary  
TRACERS-A is a NASA heliophysics spacecraft designed to investigate how solar particles interact with Earth's magnetosphere. It is part of the Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission and was launched in 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft is operated by the University of Iowa and contributes to the Explorers Program as Explorer 106.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date:** July 23, 2025, at 18:13 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.  
- **Launch Vehicle:** SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (core B1081, flight B1081.16).  
- **Mass:** Approximately 200 kg.  
- **Dimensions:** 0.945 m tall, 1.32 m in diameter.  
- **Operator:** University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy.  
- **Manufacturer:** Millennium Space Systems, using the ALTAIR spacecraft bus.  
- **Power System:** 11 solar cell panels and a lithium-ion battery (which experienced a failure on July 25, 2025).  
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit.  
- **Aliases:** Explorer 106, SMEX-16A, TRACERS T1, Space Vehicle 1 (SV1).  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of TRACERS-A?  
A: TRACERS-A studies the interaction between solar particles and Earth's magnetosphere, particularly focusing on magnetic reconnection in the cusp regions.  

### Q: Who built and operates TRACERS-A?  
A: The spacecraft was manufactured by Millennium Space Systems and is operated by the University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy.  

### Q: Did TRACERS-A encounter any technical issues?  
A: Yes, its lithium-ion battery failed two days after launch (July 25, 2025), though recovery efforts and preliminary science data collection began later.  

## Why It Matters  
TRACERS-A plays a critical role in advancing our understanding of space weather and its effects on Earth's magnetosphere. By studying solar particle interactions, it helps scientists predict and mitigate disruptions to satellite communications, GPS systems, and power grids caused by geomagnetic storms. The mission also contributes to NASA's broader heliophysics research, improving models of solar-terrestrial relationships. Its tandem operation with TRACERS-B enhances data accuracy, making it a key asset for space weather forecasting and space environment research.  

## Notable For  
- **First-of-its-kind mission:** Part of the TRACERS tandem satellites, uniquely studying magnetic reconnection in Earth's cusp regions.  
- **Rapid recovery:** Despite a battery failure, the mission resumed preliminary science operations within months.  
- **Explorers Program legacy:** Designated as Explorer 106, continuing NASA's long-standing series of low-cost, high-impact scientific missions.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- TRACERS-A is a geomagnetic satellite investigating solar wind-magnetosphere interactions.  
- Part of the TRACERS mission, which includes TRACERS-B (launched simultaneously).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Spacecraft Bus:** ALTAIR, manufactured by Millennium Space Systems.  
- **Power:** 11 solar panels and a lithium-ion battery (partially failed post-launch).  
- **Dimensions:** 0.945 m (height) × 1.32 m (diameter).  
- **Mass:** ~200 kg.  

### Launch and Operations  
- Launched on July 23, 2025, aboard Falcon 9 Block 5 from Vandenberg SLC-4E.  
- Operated by the University of Iowa, with NASA oversight.  
- Sun-synchronous orbit enables consistent solar observations.  

### Challenges and Recovery  
- Lithium-ion battery failure on July 25, 2025, prompted recovery efforts.  
- Preliminary science data collection began by December 2025.  

### Scientific Objectives  
- Focuses on magnetic reconnection in Earth's cusp regions.  
- Aims to improve space weather prediction models.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/explorer_tracers.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://tracers.physics.uiowa.edu/spacecraft)
4. [Source](https://assets.science.nasa.gov/content/dam/science/missions/tracer/TRACERS%20Press%20Kit.pdf)
5. [Source](https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/tracers/2025/08/05/nasas-tracers-continues-recovery-efforts-for-one-satellite/)
6. [Source](https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/tracers/2025/12/12/nasas-tracers-spacecraft-begin-preliminary-science-data-collection/)