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\n\tVideo:
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\n\tVideo:
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It\u2019s the first mission of its kind, set to monitor our active and unpredictable Sun and help protect us from its violent outbursts \u2013 and it has a new name<\/a>.<\/p>\n Once known as \u201cLagrange,\u201d ESA\u2019s upcoming space weather mission needed a new name that would reflect its vital role: helping to protect Earth\u2019s infrastructure, satellites, inhabitants and space explorers from unpredictable but violent solar events like solar flares and \u2018coronal mass ejections\u2019.<\/p>\n During the #NameTheMission campaign<\/a>, 5422 entries were submitted from across Europe and indeed around the world \u2013 and after weeks of deliberation, countless spreadsheets, three diverse and expert judges and a lively debate \u2013 a new name has been selected for our upcoming space weather mission: ESA Vigil<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are thrilled with our mission\u2019s new name,\u201d explains Juha-Pekka Luntama, ESA\u2019s Head of Space Weather.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I first heard it, I thought it was just spot on. That is exactly what we do, we keep a vigilant watch and guard Earth\u201d.<\/p>\n In Latin, \u2018vigilis exceptus\u2019 means sentry, or guard, while \u2018vigilia\u2019 means wakefulness and the act of keeping a devoted watch, which resonates with the mission\u2019s role \u2013 a devoted guardian, keeping constant watch over the Sun, for Earth.<\/p>\n Protecting modern life, and life itself<\/b><\/p>\n Solar storms can damage power grids, disrupt telecommunications and threaten satellites and the vital services they provide. At the same time, as we launch ever-more satellites into orbit we are creating increasing amounts of debris – dramatically increasing the risks of collision for current and future missions.<\/p>\n These satellites have changed our lives and enlarged our perspective on Earth, but they \u2013 and the technologies they make possible on which modernity relies – are vulnerable.<\/p>\n The protection of space assets is at the heart of ESA\u2019s Vision for the future<\/a> . To do this, the new Protect \u2018accelerator\u2019 proposes the development of \u2018air traffic control for space\u2019, as well as an early warning system to help us prepare for hazardous solar activity.<\/p>\n Access the version of the video with embedded subtitles.<\/a><\/p>\n