Lagrange Mission
In 2017 ESA announced:
To ensure a robust capability to monitor, nowcast and forecast potentially dangerous solar events, ESA has initiated the assessment of two possible future space weather missions.
Extreme space weather can disrupt modern technology by causing geomagnetic storms affecting satellite operation and navigation, communication systems and power grids.
A recent ESA study estimated the potential socio-economic impact in Europe from a single, extreme space weather event could reach €15 billion. Much of this disruption could be avoided through accurate forecasting.
The new ESA mission foresees positioning spacecraft in orbit at the L1 and L5 Lagrangian points - points in space where gravitational forces and the orbital motion of the spacecraft, the Sun and Earth interact to create a stable location from which to make observations.
The scientific payload package for Lagrange Mission will be accomplished by University College of London (UCL).
UCL coordinates consortium of six leading scientific institutions including Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). PSI is responsible for the Radiation Monitor (RM), space detector of electrons, protons and heavy ions.
RADEC GmbH together with PSI is responsible for development of the Radiation Monitor in the A and B1 phases.