NASA has launched four satellites in a $ 1.1 billion mission to study the high - speed interactions between earth 's magnetic field and the sun . Magnetic discharges affect auroras and play roles with satellite navigation , communications and power grids . The hard - to - detect mechanism underlying space weather is known as magnetic reconnection . explorer 5 spacecraft was carrying four satellites . When in space , all four will be arranged in a pyramid formation , usually within about 6 feet of one anoter .
NASA has launched four satellites in a $ 1.1 billion mission to study the high-speed interactions between Earth 's magnetic field and the sun . Magnetic discharges drive auroras and play havoc with satellite navigation , communications and power grids . The hard-to-study mechanism underlying space weather is known as magnetic reconnection . Atlas 5 rocket was carrying four satellites . When in space , all four will be arranged in a pyramid formation , flying within about 6 miles of one anoter .