NASA Restores Operations for Solar Dynamics Observatory and IRIS After Flood
Operations for NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) have been restored following a data outage caused by flooding at Stanford University. On November 26, 2024, a burst pipe damaged approximately 20% of the systems managing data from the spacecraft. Despite the disruption, both spacecraft continued normal operations, ensuring no loss of data. Restoration efforts have now enabled the processing of most real-time data.
Flood Damage and Initial Challenges
The flooding severely impacted the Joint Science Operations Center (JSOC), responsible for processing and distributing data from SDO and IRIS. Archives from two key SDO instruments—the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) and the Atmospheric Imaging Array (AIA)—became inaccessible. These instruments analyze solar activity by capturing data across various light wavelengths. The recovery process has been challenging, with efforts focused on restoring database servers containing billions of files.
Progress in Restoring Operations
According to the JSOC team, a partially restored database server has been functional since December 20, 2024, allowing limited data processing. Backup servers are now prepared, and plans are underway to replace damaged systems. While the center is operating at reduced capacity, work continues to retrieve archived datasets from damaged disk drives.
Scientific Continuity Maintained
Despite the data center outage, the SDO, launched in 2010, and IRIS, operational since 2013, continued transmitting data, ensuring scientific research could proceed without interruption. Teams are now processing data collected since the incident while focusing on system repairs.
Outlook for Full Recovery
Replacement equipment shipments are expected to expedite the restoration of archived data. Efforts remain concentrated on fully restoring JSOC’s operational capacity. Scientists are optimistic that regular research activities will resume as the systems come back online.
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