NASA has changed the launch plans for the SunRISE mission, replacing the originally intended United Launch Alliance Vulcan Centaur with a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
The SunRISE (Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment) mission comprises a constellation of small satellites designed to study solar eruptions and their impact on space weather. Initially slated for launch on a Vulcan Centaur, the mission was reassessed due to scheduling and availability considerations.
The Falcon Heavy provides substantial lift capability and has a proven flight record, making it suitable for deploying the multiple SunRISE satellites into their intended high Earth orbit.
This change does not alter the scientific objectives of the mission. The satellites will continue to collect data on solar activity to improve space weather forecasting, with a launch now targeted for 2026.