What are the best ways to predict and mitigate space weather effects on space systems?

Conservation during and after a storm is key in the rare case of an extreme storm. Follow energy conservation measures to minimize use of electricity, which can help power companies avoid imposing rolling blackouts during periods when the power grid is compromised.

Solar monitoring: Continuous observation of the Sun, including sunspots, flares, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), is essential for early warning of potential storms. Spacecraft like SOHO and STEREO provide real-time data, while ground-based telescopes monitor solar activity. Space weather models: Sophisticated computer models simulate the interaction of solar particles with Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere, providing forecasts of potential impacts on ground and space systems. Global network of sensors: A network of magnetometers, ionospheric sounders, and other instruments around the globe monitors changes in Earth's magnetic field and ionosphere, offering regional data for more precise forecasting.

"Space weather" is a topic to be concerned about when developing a space solution, and it can be a limitation in the following aspects: 1. **Communications Design:** Interference caused by space weather must be taken into account when calculating the satellite's link budgets. It is necessary to analyze worst-case scenarios, including the effects of temperature, clouds, and anomalies in electromagnetic fields. 2. **Material Selection:** Some materials that may be applicable for many solutions on Earth are not the most recommended in the space environment, such as certain composites due to their reaction with oxygen.

Space weather is not something we have much control over in my view, but we can adopt strategies to mitigate its damage on a space mission. Shielding, as I mentioned, is a solution for components that already have a flight-heritage or not. If not, an important point would be to simulate the component in conditions similar to space conditions. ThrustMe, for example, if I'm not mistaken, has a product that simulates ionic particles in the laboratory for satellite components.

It is also important to consider space weather during the initial development of a mission. If, for example, we want to launch a satellite into space, during the mission analysis it is necessary to analyze whether we are at a peak in solar activity in the solar cycle. In this case, we should allocate more resources to the ground segment so that they are always monitoring the satellite and carrying out the necessary maneuvers to keep the payload in line with its subject.