Why space weather is key to the successful docking of satellites

Context: Favourable space weather was necessary for the success of the Indian
Space Research Organisation’s (ISROs) first ever “docking mission” on Thursday.
The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) made India only the fourth country to
achieve the technological challenging feat of bringing together two fast-moving
satellites in space. Precision docking is very challenging, even under normal
circumstances. During severe space weather, when the space environment is
disturbed, the task becomes even more difficult. Enhanced high radiation
associated with strong flares from the Sun can blind sensors and interfere with
electronic control systems.

Key points

·       Space
weather: Space weather refers to the varying conditions within the solar system
produced by the Sun's activity. It's analogous to the terrestrial weather on
Earth, but with differences in its components (radiation and particles instead
of water, temperature, and air) and effects on different technologies.

·       Types
of space weather: Solar wind - The Sun's continuous stream of
charged particles, impacting Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.

Solar flares - Powerful bursts
of radiation originating from the Sun, causing auroras, radio disruptions, and
damage to electronic devices.

Coronal mass
ejections (CMEs) - Large, intense bursts of plasma and magnetic field
expelled by the Sun, affecting Earth's magnetic field and triggering
geomagnetic storms.

Geomagnetic
storms - Strong disturbances in Earth's magnetic field caused by CME impacts,
affecting navigation, power grids, and other technologies.

·       Protection
from space weather: Earth has an area of magnetic force activity,
called a magnetic field, protects from most of the solar wind blast. Most of
the charged particles crash into Earth’s shield and flow around it. Sometimes
charged particles sneak past Earth’s shield. When these particles hit the
atmosphere, we are treated to glowing light shows known as auroras.

·       Affect
of space weather: Impacts satellites and communication systems -
High-energy particles from solar flares and CMEs can damage satellite antennas
and disrupt radio communication.

Causes power
grid disruptions - Geomagnetic storms can cause abnormal electrical
currents, compromising power grids and impacting energy supply.

·       Prediction
& monitoring: The National Space Weather Service (NSS) at NOAA
monitors space weather and provides information to various agencies and
industries. Space weather observatories around the globe collect data on the
Sun's activities and the solar wind.

·       Future
of space weather research: Understanding the mechanisms of space weather
and its complex interactions with Earth is a significant challenge. Developing
robust forecasting and prediction systems for extreme space weather events
remains a complex task. Researchers are also exploring ways to mitigate the
effects of space weather on critical infrastructure and technologies.

·       Ways
to mitigate: Organizations are developing emergency plans and protocols to protect
critical infrastructure during and after space weather events. Individuals can
minimize exposure to space weather by staying indoors during major storms and
minimizing reliance on electronic devices. Staying informed about space weather
conditions through reliable sources can help individuals take precautions and
protect themselves.