Earth orbit
DAPHNE
NASA's Dynamic Atmosphere-Ionosphere Explorer will use twin satellites to study how the lower atmosphere drives space weather in near-Earth space.
NASA selected DAPHNE to enter Phase B; it remains subject to a 2027 confirmation review and has a no-earlier-than 2029 launch target.
View in 3D map ↗Official mission site ↗The mission
DAPHNE (Dynamic Atmosphere-Ionosphere Explorer) is a NASA heliophysics mission selected for Phase B development. Its two identical satellites will study how changes in Earth's lower atmosphere influence the upper atmosphere and the space environment, improving space-weather prediction for technology, low-Earth-orbit spacecraft, and astronauts.
The launch
- Launch
- No earlier than 2029
- Launch location
- Not documented
- Launch vehicle
- Not documented
- Orbit
- Not documented
Mission timeline
Follow the mission through its available trajectory data in the full 3D solar-system map.
Selected for Phase B development
June 18, 2026 · Earth orbit
NASA selected DAPHNE to enter Phase B planning and design for flight and mission operations.
Open milestone source ↗Objectives
- 01
Measure how lower-atmosphere changes influence the upper atmosphere and near-Earth space environment.
- 02
Improve physical understanding and predictive capability for space weather.
Spacecraft
DAPHNE twin satellites
Two identical satellites for coupled atmosphere-ionosphere observations.
Gallery
One image from DAPHNE.
Community discussion
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