Vigil, the European Space Agency's upcoming space weather mission, will be the first satellite to maintain a continuous presence at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 5 (L5), providing an unprecedented side view of solar activity. From this strategic location, Vigil will monitor the Sun's surface several days before the same regions rotate into Earth's direct line of sight.
The mission is design by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Jul 22, 2025
Vigil, the European Space Agency's upcoming space weather mission, will be the first satellite to maintain a continuous presence at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 5 (L5), providing an unprecedented side view of solar activity. From this strategic location, Vigil will monitor the Sun's surface several days before the same regions rotate into Earth's direct line of sight.
The mission is designed to operate 24/7, delivering real-time data crucial for forecasting hazardous solar phenomena such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Positioned to view the Sun-Earth line from the side, Vigil will provide earlier and more accurate warnings of space weather that could threaten satellites, communication networks, power grids, and aviation systems.
Solar radiation and high-energy particles launched by the Sun during solar storms present serious risks to infrastructure in space and on Earth. ESA underscores this concern with a report from Lloyd's of London, which estimates global economic losses of up to $2.4 trillion over five years from a single, severe space weather event.
As a key component of ESA's Space Safety Programme, Vigil is slated for launch in 2031. It aims to be the cornerstone of global early-warning systems, helping safeguard technological systems and human life against solar hazards.
Related Links
Vigil at ESA
Solar Science News at SpaceDaily