ETHOS satellite mission could transform how scientists predict space weather

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• pageflight@piefed.social ⁨3⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

  A solar storm can change a satellite’s orbit by changing the atmosphere around it. When energy from the Sun heats Earth’s upper atmosphere, the gas expands, increasing resistance along some orbital paths. A planned Swiss mission will investigate that connection by observing the Sun and the atmosphere from the same spacecraft.

  The May 2024 Gannon geomagnetic storm exposed the operational consequences. An analysis published in the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets documented thousands of satellites maneuvering after enhanced drag caused altitude losses. Such widespread adjustments complicate tracking and collision avoidance, because predicted encounters must be reassessed using the spacecraft’s changed trajectories.

  Interesting complications!

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• lemmie689@lemmy.sdf.org ⁨3⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

  My space weather prediction for tomorrow - clear and sunny!

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