A system to forecast changes in space weather, so that satellite
operators can take action to protect their gear from radiation
damage, has gone live.
It's called Spacecast, and has been designed by researchers at
British Antarctic Survey.
The €2.54 million (£2.12 million) system combines satellite
data, ground-based measurements of the Earth's magnetic field and
computer models to predict upcoming changes in the Van Allen
Those are doughnut-shaped rings of charged particles, which are
trapped within the Earth's magnetic field.
Magnetic storms, which are triggered by changes on the Sun,
cause high energy particle radiation within these belts. This can
damage satellite components, or kill off orbiting gear
Spacecast will be able to forecast electron radiation levels,
one to three hours ahead. The prediction is updated every hour.
satellite operators time to reduce the risk of disruption by
switching off non-essential systems, re-routing signals and
re-scheduling orbit manoeuvres.
"For the first time we can now forecast radiation levels for a
whole range of different orbits, from geostationary to medium Earth
orbit where there is a tremendous growth in the number of
said Richard Horne from British Antarctic Survey, who is
leading the project. "Nobody has done that before."
Knowing when space radiation will flare up could save operators
millions. In 2003 a feisty magnetic storm caused more than 47
satellites to malfunction, causing $640m (£401 million) in damage.
Space weather was dubbed a topic of special collaboration
between the UK and USA, following President Obama's visit to
Britain in May 2011.