NASA launches twin satellites to radiation belts

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/nasa-launches-twin-satellites-radiation-belts

It's the first time two spacecraft are flying in tandem amid the punishing radiation belts of Earth, brimming with highly charged particles capable of wrecking satellites.

These new satellites — shielded with thick aluminum — are designed to withstand an onslaught of cosmic rays for the next two years.