Today, the world is increasingly dependent on space technologies for a variety of essential services, ranging from weather forecasting to rail and airline reservations, banking operations, medical consultations, and long-distance audio or video communications. Given humanity’s growing reliance on space assets, there is a critical need to ensure the safety and sustainability of space operations. Threats to satellite systems—both in space and on the ground—can arise from natural or human-made causes, including accidents. In the 21st century, counter-space programs developed by certain states have raised major concerns regarding space security.
Furthermore, the commercialisation of space is rapidly expanding. Commercial entities are now conducting space launches, human spaceflight is a reality, and even commercial spacewalks have taken place. However, there are currently limited legal frameworks to address the issues related to space security.
In recent years, there have been instances where satellite systems suffered from natural disruptions. For example, in February 2022, Elon Musk’s SpaceX lost 40 of 49 satellites just a day after their launch. These satellites were intended to support the Starlink satellite internet project, but a geomagnetic storm caused them to fall out of orbit and burn up. Similar events have occurred in the past, as geomagnetic storms—fluctuations in space weather—are known to interfere with communication systems.
Geomagnetic storms have a long history of affecting communications. One of the most notable incidents occurred from May 13–16, 1921, when a powerful storm severely impacted telegraph services in the United States. The disruption began with a gradual degradation of services and ultimately led to blown fuses and switches. Radio propagation improved during the storm due to changes in the ionosphere, but undersea telegraph cables were also affected. The storm’s impact extended beyond the US, affecting telegraph services in Europe and the Southern Hemisphere as well.
Space weather, driven by solar flares and coronal mass ejections, can damage communication satellites and reduce their operational lifespan. ISRO’s recent launch of the Aditya L1 satellite marks India’s growing efforts to study the Sun and predict space weather, ensuring greater autonomy and preparedness in safeguarding its space assets
Space agencies in leading nations have been studying the unpredictable nature of space weather for many years. However, with increasing investments in space, there is now a greater need to critically assess the challenges posed by space weather. Solar activity generates space weather, and although the Sun is about 150 million kilometres away from Earth, its effects can reach us. Space weather has the potential to disrupt communications and satellite systems, and in extreme cases, cause electrical blackouts on Earth.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Sun constantly releases gas and particles into space, forming a stream known as the solar wind. These particles, originating from the Sun’s hot outer atmosphere (the corona), are electrically charged and travel towards Earth at speeds of up to one million miles per hour. The interaction between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field can cause geomagnetic storms, leading to disruptions in satellite and communication systems.
Humans have experienced several strong geomagnetic storms over time. Satellite communications, particularly those using lower frequencies (VHF through L-band), can suffer significant short-term signal losses due to ionospheric disturbances caused by space weather. There have been instances where space weather has induced currents in pipelines or power grid transmission lines, affecting transformer performance and leading to electrical outages. Even aircraft flying at high altitudes may be exposed to increased radiation, potentially impacting the health of aircrew and passengers.
The impact on satellites is often more pronounced in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where the population of satellites is much higher than in other orbits. However, satellites in other orbits, such as GPS satellites typically located in medium Earth orbit (MEO), can also be affected by adverse space weather. For satellites in higher orbits, the primary threat from space weather comes from high-energy charged particles.
There have been recorded cases of space weather adversely affecting communication satellites, which are typically situated in geostationary orbit (GEO), about 36,000 km above the Earth’s surface. Damage to these satellites is often caused by Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). During solar storms, solar flares can trigger massive eruptions from the Sun’s surface, known as CMEs. The severity of damage from CMEs depends on the strength of the solar particle event. Damage to satellite subsystems can shorten their operational lifespan, and in extreme cases, satellites may become entirely non-functional.
While Earth’s atmosphere protects it from the harmful effects of solar radiation and other space phenomena, intense solar storms occasionally occur, strengthening the solar wind and posing risks to both space-based and ground systems.
Space weather can significantly affect satellites, power grids, and communication systems. ISRO’s collaboration with agencies like IMD, DSA, and IAF will enhance India’s ability to predict and respond to space weather events, ensuring the safety of both its space and terrestrial infrastructure
For several years, space weather has been an area of research for space agencies. In 1995, the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA launched a collaborative mission called the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). SOHO studies the Sun’s structure and dynamics, and collects data on solar winds, plasma, and solar particles, enhancing our understanding of solar activity. Countries like Russia, China, the UK, and Canada have also developed systems to monitor the Sun and predict space weather.
On 6 January 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed its Aditya L1 satellite into halo orbit to study the Sun. Equipped with seven payloads, this satellite helps ISRO observe various solar phenomena, including the Photosphere, Chromosphere, Solar Corona, solar emissions, solar winds, flares, and CMEs. So far, Aditya L1 has performed admirably. With this mission, ISRO has demonstrated that India is no longer solely dependent on foreign space agencies for space weather data.
Today, ISRO is keen on advancing its Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities. An SSA network is critical for tracking space debris, predicting potential collisions, and providing collision avoidance recommendations—an essential component for the safety and sustainability of India’s space operations. Space weather forecasting is a crucial subset of any SSA mechanism, necessitating the development of advanced mathematical modelling tools. The time has come for ISRO to establish a multi-agency structure dedicated to space meteorology. Collaborations with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Defence Space Agency (DSA), and the meteorological wing of the Indian Air Force (IAF) would help India bolster its capabilities in this vital area.
– The writer is a Deputy Director General with MP-IDSA, New Delhi. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
– The writer is a Deputy Director General with MP-IDSA, New Delhi. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
