Lynker Partners with NOAA to Enhance Space-Weather Forecasts
Lynker Space is collaborating with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop customized space-weather forecasts aimed at supporting operators of power grids and other critical infrastructure across the United States. This initiative emerges as NASA prepares for the launch of two heliophysics missions and a NOAA space weather observatory on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, scheduled for September 24, 2023, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The partnership aims to address a significant challenge faced by terrestrial infrastructure operators: the complexity and technicality of existing space weather forecasts. According to Scott McIntosh, Lynker’s Vice President of Space Operations, these forecasts often contain jargon that makes them difficult to interpret. “After talking with infrastructure operators to understand their pain points,” McIntosh stated, “we will work with NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center to develop sector-specific alerts and warnings.”
Transforming Space Weather Forecasts
Scheduled for testing next summer, the new system will provide tailored risk assessments for various sectors, including power grid operations, aviation, and emergency management. McIntosh emphasized the urgency of the matter, declaring, “Space weather is not an abstract threat — it’s a daily operational challenge for industries that underpin our modern society.”
The latest solar cycle, which reached its peak at the end of last year, has underscored the vulnerabilities of industries reliant on stable space conditions. Geomagnetic storms can significantly affect space traffic management, precision agriculture, and aviation systems. McIntosh explained that geomagnetic activity at Earth stations typically peaks a few years after the solar maximum, which is determined by the number of sunspots.
To ensure the forecasts meet the needs of various stakeholders, Lynker’s collaboration with NOAA will be informed by recommendations from the White House Space Weather Advisory Group. This group conducted a survey in 2024 to identify customer requirements for effective space-weather forecasting.
Future Implications for Critical Infrastructure
The initiative anticipates that future forecasts will be specifically designed for a range of sectors, including human spaceflight, space traffic management, and customers reliant on Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. As the partnership progresses, it aims to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructures against the unpredictable nature of space weather, ultimately safeguarding essential services for millions of people.
By streamlining complex data into accessible insights, Lynker and NOAA’s efforts will play a crucial role in ensuring that operators are better equipped to respond to space weather events, thus minimizing potential disruptions to daily operations. The collaboration is set to redefine how space weather forecasts are perceived and utilized in various industries, marking a significant advancement in the field of space meteorology.
