Van Allen Probes

Van Allen Probes
Artist's impression of the Van Allen Probes in orbit
NamesRadiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP)
Mission typeAstrophysics
OperatorNASA
COSPAR ID2012-046A
2012-046B
SATCAT no.38752
38753
Websitevanallenprobes.jhuapl.edu
Mission durationPlanned: 2 years
Final: 7 years, 1 month, 17 days
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerApplied Physics Laboratory
Launch mass~1500 kg for both
Start of mission
Launch date30 August 2012, 08:05 (2012-08-30UTC08:05) UTC
RocketAtlas V 401
AV-032
Launch siteCape Canaveral SLC-41
ContractorUnited Launch Alliance
End of mission
DisposalDecommissioned
DeactivatedVan Allen Probe A: 18 October 2019 (2019-10-19)
Van Allen Probe B: 19 July 2019
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeHighly elliptical
Semi-major axis21,887 km (13,600 mi)
Perigee altitude618 km (384 mi)
Apogee altitude30,414 km (18,898 mi)
Inclination10.2°
Period537.1 minutes
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MMS →
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The Van Allen Probes, formerly known as the Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP),[1] were two robotic spacecraft that were used to study the Van Allen radiation belts that surround Earth. NASA conducted the Van Allen Probes mission as part of the Living With a Star program.[2] Understanding the radiation belt environment and its variability has practical applications in the areas of spacecraft operations, spacecraft system design, mission planning and astronaut safety.[3] The probes were launched on 30 August 2012 and operated for seven years. Both spacecraft were deactivated in 2019 when they ran out of fuel. They are expected to deorbit during the 2030s.

  1. ^ "Van Allen Probes: NASA Renames Radiation Belt Mission to Honor Pioneering Scientist". Science Daily. Reuters. 11 November 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
  2. ^ "RBSP - Mission Overview". NASA. 28 March 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  3. ^ Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) Archived 2 May 2012 at the Wayback Machine