| Presenter Name: | Suzanne Metlay |
| Authors: | Weeden, B., Metlay, S., and Williamson, R. |
| Title: | Space Weather and International Civil Space Situational Awareness |
| Abstract: |
Space situational awareness (SSA) involves knowledge of where a satellite is at any given moment (site data), what’s around it (situational data), and awareness of its space environment, including space weather. International civil cooperation in and sharing of SSA data is vital to avoid incidents like those on 12 March 2009 where the crew of the International Space Station briefly evacuated into an adjoining Soyuz spacecraft since they could not maneuver away from a fragment of orbital debris (they were not hit) (1), or on 10 February 2009 when two satellites collided in low Earth orbit, completely destroying both satellites (2). The economic consequences of inadequate SSA data collection, poor data sharing, or lack of international coordination can be significant to civil, military and commercial satellite operators. Space weather events such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections may negatively affect the utility of in-space assets. Thermal expansion of Earth’s atmosphere increases drag on objects in low earth orbit, cleaning up some low-flying orbital debris but also shortening the working lifespan of functional satellites. Energetic charged particles can cause surface charging, electrostatic discharge, and other risks to onboard electronics. Ground stations may also suffer from adverse effects of space weather events. Navigational data such as GPS signals may be corrupted, leading to signal timing and position errors. And the effects of ionization in Earth’s atmosphere leading to communications data scatter, interruption or loss are well documented. Space weather factors are therefore crucial to address when developing a program for international civil SSA. Expertise in space weather is key to a successful program. Within two months of receiving authorization in November 2008 to fund a study of existing SSA assets to determine what is necessary to establish a European SSA program, the European Space Agency sought to hire a Space Weather Manager (3). Nearly all SSA data provided to international satellite operators is by the U.S. Department of Defense (National Space Security Office) through its Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) and from data shared by the operators themselves for satellites in geosynchronous orbit through participation in SOCRATES-GEO. Scientific institutions around the world may also contribute to SSA data collection through the International Scientific Optical Network (ISON), a network of 25 optical telescopes located at 18 facilities across the globe. Secure World Foundation encourages the development of an international civil SSA program that includes space weather considerations(4) . Governance, security and user-oriented issues must be addressed as well as a comprehensive scheme for funding and operating the system. In his comprehensive review of current concerns, technical consultant Brian Weeden concludes that “Such an international civil space situational awareness system is not a dream. All of the essential technical elements exist and there is a demonstrated need. What is lacking is the political will on behalf of both private industry and States to come together and create what is truly needed...” (5). (1) Bergin, Chris. “RED threshold late notice conjunction threat misses ISS - Crew egress Soyuz”. NASASpaceFlight.com 12 March 2009. (2) Wright, David. “Colliding Satellites: Consequences and Implications”. Union of Concerned Scientists. 26 Feb 2009. (3) European Space Agency. Posted 20 January 2009, reissued 2 March 2009; accessed 12 March 2009. (4) Secure World Foundation. “Space Situational Awareness”. Accessed 12 March 2009. (5) Weeden, Brian. “Space Sustainability: To Preserve and Protect…” March 2009. |