It's a dirty job, but two NASA spacecraft…

It's a dirty job, but two NASA spacecraft are ready to do it. On August 23rd, NASA plans to launch two spacecraft into the 1 belts around Earth. The twin Radiation Belt Storm Probes will investigate high-energy particles held in place by Earth's 2 field. Those fast-moving protons and electrons form two bands known as the Van Allen radiation belts, after 3 James Van Allen, who discovered them in 1958. The two NASA probes will study how the belts formed, and what makes them swell up from time to time.The outer radiation belt in particular can change quickly in response to the sun's outbursts of charged particles, also known as 4 storms. The Van Allen Belts are a nuisance to some spacecraft, and they could pose a hazard to future manned 5 as well. But the Radiation Belt Storm Probes will call those harsh environs home. The spacecraft will fly through the belts for two years, 6 charged particles, plasma waves and magnetic fields in Earth's vicinity. NASA hopes that the mission will help illuminate the 7 physics of the stormy near-Earth environment. And, perhaps, help future spacecraft weather that storm.