Sciences and Exploration Directorate

Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE)

Class:

Flight Project

Status:

Past

Organizations:

Launch Date:

January 2003

WEBSITE:

SORCE was a 17-year satellite mission that provided state-of-the-art measurements of incoming x-ray, ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared, and total solar radiation. The measurements provided by SORCE specifically addressed long-term climate change, natural variability and enhanced climate prediction, and atmospheric ozone and UV-B radiation. These measurements are critical to studies of the Sun; its effect on our Earth system; and its influence on humankind. The mission’s legacy is continued by the Total and Spectral solar Irradiance Sensor (TSIS-1), launched to the International Space Station in December 2017, and TSIS-2, which will launch aboard its own spacecraft in 2025.

Key Staff
    Artist's concept of SORCE