# TRACERS-B

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

**Wikidata**: [Q135476447](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q135476447)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tracers-b

## Summary
TRACERS-B 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 operates under the Explorers Program as Explorer 107. The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket in July 2025.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** July 23, 2025, at 18:13 UTC from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.  
- **Operator:** University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy.  
- **Manufacturer:** Millennium Space Systems, using the ALTAIR spacecraft bus.  
- **Dimensions:** Height: 0.945 meters, Diameter: 1.32 meters.  
- **Mass:** Approximately 200 kilograms.  
- **Power Source:** 11 solar cell panels and a lithium-ion battery.  
- **Orbit:** Sun-synchronous orbit.  
- **COSPAR ID:** 2025-154B.  
- **Alternative Names:** Explorer 107, SMEX-16B, TRACERS T2, Space Vehicle 2 (SV2).  

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of TRACERS-B?
A: TRACERS-B studies the interaction between solar particles and Earth's magnetosphere, helping scientists understand space weather and its effects on our planet.

### Q: Who operates TRACERS-B?
A: The University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy manages the spacecraft's operations.

### Q: What rocket launched TRACERS-B?
A: It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (serial number B1081.16) from Vandenberg Space Force Base.

## Why It Matters
TRACERS-B plays a critical role in advancing heliophysics research by examining how solar particles influence Earth's magnetosphere. This data improves our understanding of space weather, which can disrupt satellites, power grids, and communications. As part of NASA's Explorers Program, TRACERS-B contributes to low-cost, high-impact scientific missions. Its findings could lead to better predictive models for solar storms, protecting critical infrastructure and advancing space exploration safety.

## Notable For
- **First-of-its-kind mission:** Part of the TRACERS tandem satellites studying magnetic reconnection.  
- **Compact design:** Despite its small size (0.945m height), it carries advanced instrumentation for solar particle analysis.  
- **University-led operation:** Managed by the University of Iowa, showcasing academic involvement in NASA missions.  

## Body
### Mission Overview
TRACERS-B is a geomagnetic satellite investigating solar particle interactions with Earth's magnetosphere. It operates alongside TRACERS-A as part of NASA's Explorers Program (designated Explorer 107).

### Technical Specifications
- **Dimensions:**  
  - Height: 0.945 meters  
  - Diameter: 1.32 meters  
- **Mass:** ~200 kg  
- **Power System:**  
  - 11 solar panels  
  - Lithium-ion battery  

### Launch Details
- **Vehicle:** SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (B1081.16)  
- **Date & Time:** July 23, 2025, 18:13 UTC  
- **Launch Site:** Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East  

### Operational Control
- **Operator:** University of Iowa Department of Physics and Astronomy  
- **Manufacturer:** Millennium Space Systems (ALTAIR bus)  

### Orbit
TRACERS-B orbits Earth in a Sun-synchronous pattern, optimizing its solar particle observation capabilities.

## 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)