Space Weather Technology

At the request of the U.S. Air Force, ARINC's Colorado Springs office developed a tool to help solar and ionospheric forecasters identify which satellites, communications, and navigation systems—in space and on the ground—might be degraded if harsh radiation from solar flares or geomagnetic storms hit the Earth. The result is the Space Environmental Impacts Model, which links various space weather events to their effects on those delicate systems. For the first time, the findings of numerous scientists, engineers, researchers, and operators who study the impact of space weather are consolidated into a single, easily accessible database.

Here's an example of how the model is used. An energetic solar flare event produces X-ray, optical, and radio-frequency emissions, all having different potential effects on sensitive equipment. Upon notification that an energetic flare had occurred, an Air Force analyst would obtain flare-characteristics information over the Internet, then use the model to quickly determine which types of USAF satellites in various orbits might be adversely affected, and to what degree. The analyst might then contact satellite controllers, who could immediately take appropriate action, such as closing equipment ports or re-orienting the satellite.

The Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Commerce (DOC) forecast centers use the model to identify which of their hundreds of subscribers—both government and commercial—to alert to take protective action if an energetic space weather event occurs. The model is also a valuable research and planning tool used at laboratories and universities around the world.