The “High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun” project, or HEROES, is a joint effort to fly a powerful X-ray telescope high into Earth’s atmosphere. This innovative, dual solar/space imaging project, jointly developed by researchers at two NASA field centers, is targeted for launch in mid-September. During the day, it will study solar flares, providing new insight into the way the sun’s magnetic energy functions. At night, the telescope’s eye will turn outward to the stars, observing a variety of astrophysical targets.
The HEROES balloon launched on September 21, 2013 and successfully completed its mission on September 22, 2013. Both solar and astrophysical data were collected. Marshall and Goddard scientists are currently analyzing data. Credit: NASA