The Solar Dynamics Observatory after three years in orbit

There are three instruments aboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO): EVE, which measures the extreme ultraviolet irradiance of the Sun; AIA, which images the Sun at high cadence in ten wavelengths; and HMI, which measures the solar magnetic field and velocity of the solar surface. These instruments have returned roughly 1.5 Tbytes of solar data per day nearly continuously since the beginning of SDO´s science operations in May 2010, which has been facilitated by a continuous downlink from geosynchronous orbit to SDO´s dedicated pair of 18-m antennas in White Sands, New Mexico. Science data returned from SDO is continually advancing knowledge of and research in prominence and filament eruptions, late phase flares, and the solar vector magnetic field, amongst other areas. Additionally, observations made during orbit maintenance, collision avoidance, and ground system operations have yielded lessons learned about the need to account for extreme weather in antenna design and the importance of clear, direct communication channels with other satellite operators. These observations and lessons are being used to improve the SDO ground system and operations approach and may prove useful for future mission design.