Programme
Heliospheric Physics
The Heliospheric Physics programme focuses on the development, operation and scientific use of visible‑light imaging instruments that observe the solar wind, outer corona and inner heliosphere. We design and support space‑based imagers and exploit their data to advance heliophysics and improve space‑weather forecasting capabilities.
PUNCH constellation of four satellites that will study how the Sun’s corona. Credit: Image Courtesy of Southwest Research Institute
Programme Aims
Our aim is to deliver innovative imaging technologies and scientific insight that deepen our understanding of the Sun’s influence on the heliosphere and Earth. The programme supports missions that observe coronal mass ejections, solar wind structures and other solar‑driven phenomena that impact both exploration science and the resilience of modern technological systems.
Our Work
We provide expertise across mission design, instrument development and scientific data exploitation to support heliospheric physics research and space‑weather services.
Instrument development & mission support
We design, develop and provide post‑launch support for space‑based instruments that image the solar wind and heliosphere in visible light. This includes involvement across mission planning, instrumentation design, production, testing and operational support.
Scientific research
Our scientific research uses data from heliospheric imagers to study coronal mass ejections, solar‑wind evolution and heliospheric structures, supporting both fundamental heliophysics and applied space‑weather forecasting. The programme contributes to national and international efforts to understand solar‑driven hazards affecting Earth.
Innovation in heliospheric imaging
We advance new approaches and technologies for visible‑light imaging of the outer corona and inner heliosphere. This includes improving sensitivity, modelling, and data‑analysis techniques used to monitor dynamic solar activity.
Close up of one of the camera electronics boxes. Credit: STFC
Case Study
PUNCH
NASA’s PUNCH mission uses four coordinated satellites to map how the Sun’s outer atmosphere evolves into the solar wind. RAL Space designed and built the mission’s visible‑light camera systems and leads the in‑flight calibration, ensuring the satellites operate together as a single observatory for studying space‑weather processes. This work builds on RAL Space’s long heritage in solar‑wind imaging, including major contributions to NASA’s STEREO mission.
