We live in an exciting environment: the heliosphere, the exotic outer atmosphere of a star. The space beyond Earths protective atmospheric cocoon is highly variable and far from benign. It is the one part of the cosmos accessible to direct scientific investigation, our only hands-on astrophysical laboratory. Our technological society is increasingly susceptible to space weather disturbances in this curious region. A host of interconnected physical processes, strongly influenced by solar variability, affect the health and safety of travelers in space and the habitability of alien environments. We call the science of the Sun-Solar System Connections "Heliophysics". Building on NASAs rich history of exploration of the Earths neighborhood and distant planetary systems, we are poised to develop the quantitative knowledge needed to help assure the safety of the new generation of human and robotic explorers. The Heliophysics Program has been completely reevaluated to address the ne! eds of the Vision for Space Exploration. NASAs future research and exploration within its Heliophysics program aims to "explore the Sun-Earth system to understand the Sun and its effects on Earth, the solar system, and the space environmental conditions that will be experienced by explorers, and to demonstrate technologies that can improve future operational systems." We have unfolded this articulated strategic goal into the three broad science and exploration objectives: รข€¢ Open the Frontier to Space ...
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