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Astrochemistry Laboratory
Past

Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE)

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.

Launch Date
December 2003
Class
Flight Project
Website
Key Staff
  • Project Scientist

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.

Related Publications

2013. "Radiation Processes in the Atmosphere and Ocean (IRS2012): Proceedings of the International Radiation Symposium (IRC/IAMAS).", , 1531 1-970 [Full Text] [10.1063/1.4804695] [Book]

2022. "Correction to: Solar Temperature Variations Computed from SORCE SIM Irradiances Observed During 2003 – 2020.", Solar Physics, 297 (2): 25 [10.1007/s11207-022-01967-w] [Journal Article/Letter]

2022. "Solar Temperature Variations Computed from SORCE SIM Irradiances Observed During 2003 – 2020.", Solar Physics, 297 (1): 16 [10.1007/s11207-021-01941-y] [Journal Article/Letter]

2018. "Solar Cycle Variations in Mesospheric Carbon Monoxide.", Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jastp.2018.02.001] [Journal Article/Letter]