Space Weather
NOAA seeks to “kick the tires” on new instruments, mission concepts
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration plans to conduct technology demonstrations and pathfinder projects as it prepares to update its Earth observation constellations.
Military Space Situational Awareness 2019
Space is becoming more congested, competitive and contested with thousands of small LEO satellites set to be put into orbit over the next decade. These assets offer the opportunity to provide un-dreamt of levels of connectivity – but have also c…
Are small satellites the solution for space weather monitoring?
With key space weather satellites expected to fail before U.S. and European agencies launch replacements, “small satellites may be the only way of averting a bleak future,” said Daniel Baker, director of the University of Colorado’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.
NASA selects space weather experiment for ISS
NASA has selected a space weather experiment to fly to the International Space Station as the agency’s heliophysics program seeks to strike a balance between large and small missions.
Air Force wants satellite weather data
The U.S. Air Force has obligated about $7 million of its $20 million budget for commercial satellite weather data.
Glacial pace of space weather modernization
Since the U.S. military is extremely reliant on satellites for communications, intelligence and navigation, the Air Force is striving to augment space weather observations, models and predictions. Unfortunately, progress often occurs at a glacial pace.
House committee approves space weather bill
The House Science Committee approved July 24 a modified version of a space weather forecasting bill that the Senate passed last year amid criticism of the committee’s approach to the legislation.
Air Force looks to companies, international partners in quest to improve space weather forecasting
The U.S. Air Force is seeking continuous improvement of its ability to understand and forecast space weather that impacts Defense Department satellites, said Ralph Stoffler, Air Force director of weather.
NOAA cuts target future polar weather satellites
While NOAA received full funding for its ongoing weather satellite programs, the agency is looking at options after a cut to a program for future polar-orbiting weather satellites.
Senate passes space weather bill
The Senate unanimously passed a bill May 2 intended to support space weather research and planning to protect critical infrastructure from solar storms.
Researchers bemoan limited space weather prediction capabilities
Despite current low levels of solar activity, space weather experts warned April 5 that the sun could still produce powerful and unpredictable storms that could disrupt activities in space and on the earth.
Space weather efforts find stability despite presidential transition
As a Senate committee approved a new version of a space weather research bill Jan. 24, officials at government agencies said they have seen little sign of changes to ongoing efforts in this field despite the transition in administrations.
Budget issues could delay space weather mission
NOAA could be forced to delay plans for a space weather satellite if Congress decides to extend a stopgap spending bill currently funding the agency for the full year.
New satellites, new administration key topics of AMS meeting
A meeting of atmospheric and space scientists this week will feature enthusiasm about a new generation of weather satellites tempered by uncertainty about the future of key programs in the Trump administration.
Space weather bill clears Senate committee
The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill April 27 that would assign roles and responsibilities to government agencies to forecast and prepare for space weather events.
Space weather bill introduced in U.S. Senate
A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation April 20 to improve space weather forecasting and preparedness efforts in parallel with a space weather strategy released by the White House last year.
