Solar Physics Laboratory

Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO)

Class:

Status:

Operational

Organizations:

Launch Date:

October 2006

WEBSITE:

The Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) consists of two space-based observatories. One spacecraft orbits ahead of Earth and the other trails behind. STEREO has revealed the three-dimensional structure of coronal mass ejections -- violent eruptions of matter from the sun that can disrupt satellites and power grids. The twin spacecraft are components of NASA's fleet of space weather detection satellites. STEREO launched in October 2006.

STEREO artist's conception