Swing mission patch

Earth’s atmosphere is made up of different layers that can be affected by space weather phenomena. One of these layers is the ionosphere, a region high above Earth where solar radiation ionises atoms and molecules, creating electrically charged particles. These particles can interfere with satellites used for navigation and communication, hampering the services that many of us rely on every day.

Meet the mission patch for Swing (Space Weather Ionosphere Nanosat Generation), ESA’s first space weather nanosatellite mission.

At the heart of the patch is a yellow band representing the ionosphere, the layer of Earth’s atmosphere that Swing will monitor.

Its measurements of electron density, charged particle radiation and solar X-ray flux will be used to generate accurate, real-time updates on ionospheric conditions. This helps scientists understand how solar activity affects the ionosphere and European satellite-based service providers to ensure the accuracy and continuity of critical navigation and timing services.