NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER 

STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Product of the 

SPACE WEATHER OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, and MITIGATION 

WORKING GROUP 

SPACE WEATHER, SECURITY, and HAZARDS SUBCOMMITTEE 

COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND and NATIONAL SECURITY 

of the 

NATIONAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL 

March 2019 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

About the National Science and Technology Council 

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is the principal means by which the Executive 

Branch coordinates science and technology policy across the diverse entities that make up the Federal 

research and development enterprise. A primary objective of the NSTC is to ensure science and 

technology policy decisions and programs are consistent with the President's stated goals. The NSTC 

prepares research and development strategies that are coordinated across Federal agencies aimed at 

accomplishing multiple national goals. The work of the NSTC is organized under committees that 

oversee subcommittees and working groups focused on different aspects of science and technology. 

More information is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/nstc. 

About the Office of Science and Technology Policy 

The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was established by the National Science and 

Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976 to provide the President and others within 

the Executive Office of the President with advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological 

aspects of the economy, national security, homeland security, health, foreign relations, the 

environment, and the technological recovery and use of resources, among other topics. OSTP leads 

interagency science and technology policy coordination efforts, assists the Office of Management and 

Budget with an annual review and analysis of Federal research and development in budgets, and serves 

as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major 

policies, plans, and programs of the Federal Government. More information is available at 

http://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp. 

About the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation Working 

Group 

The Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation (SWORM) Working Group is an interagency 

group organized under the Space Weather, Security, and Hazards Subcommittee, which is part of the 

NSTC Committee on Homeland and National Security. The SWORM Working Group seeks to coordinate 

Federal Government departments and agencies to enhance national capabilities in promoting 

resilience to the effects of space weather. 

About this Document 

This document was developed by the SWORM Working Group. Public input into the development of this 

document was received through a Federal Register (83 FR 17526) request for information solicitation. 

Responses to the request for information, along with input from National Security Council and National 

Space Council staff, informed the development of the National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan. 

This document was reviewed by the Committee on Homeland and National Security, and was finalized 

and published by OSTP. The SWORM Working Group will review, update, and reissue this document 

every four years or as needed. 

Copyright Information 

This document is a work of the United States Government and is in the public domain (see 17 U.S.C. 

§105). Subject to the stipulations below, it may be distributed and copied with acknowledgment to

OSTP. Copyrights to graphics included in this document are reserved by the original copyright holders

or their assignees and are used here under the government’s license and by permission. Requests to

use any images must be made to the provider identified in the image credits or to OSTP if no provider

is identified. Printed in the United States of America, 2019.

– i –
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

NATIONAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL 

Chair Executive Director 

Kelvin Droegemeier, Director, OSTP Chloé Kontos, NSTC 

COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND AND NATIONAL SECURITY 

Co-Chairs 

Aaron Miles, Principal Assistant Director, Mary Miller, Performing the Duties of Assistant National Security and International Affairs, Secretary of Defense for Research and OSTP Engineering, DoD 

William Bryan, Senior Official Performing the 

Duties of the Under Secretary for Science and 

Technology, DHS 

SPACE WEATHER OPERATIONS, RESEARCH, AND MITIGATION WORKING 

GROUP 

Co-Chairs 

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Department of Homeland Security 

Office of Science and Technology Policy 

Members 

Departments 

Department of Commerce 

Department of Defense 

Department of Energy 

Department of Homeland Security 

Department of the Interior 

Department of State 

Department of Transportation 

Agencies and Service Branches 

Federal Aviation Administration 

Federal Communications Commission 

Federal Emergency Management Agency 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration 

National Institute of Standards and 

Technology 

Executive Office of The President 

National Security Council 

National Space Council 

Office of Management and Budget 

Office of Science and Technology Policy 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 

National Science Foundation 

Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

United States Air Force 

United States Geological Survey 

United States Navy 

– ii –
THE WHITE HOUSE 

OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20502 

Dear Reader, 

Space weather encompasses a wide array of phenomena which, though remarkable features of nature, 

have the potential to negatively affect and even destroy technology and infrastructure critical to our 

Nation's security and economy. Via coordination across the Federal Government, academia, the private 

sector, and international partners, the United States has made significant progress in preparing for and 

predicting spac� weather events on Earth. However, the focus of space weather activities must evolve 

as the Nation reinvigorates its human space exploration program, reinforces the importance of spacebased capabilities for critical national functions and security, and enhances its overall resilience. 

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), through the Space Weather Operations, 

Research, and Mitigation (SWORM) Working Group, has led the coordination of Federal activities to 

enhance American preparedness for and resilience to the effects of space weather. This National Space 

Weather Strategy and Action Plan provides strategic direction, identifies key actions, and calls for 

continued coordination across space weather and critical infrastructure stakeholders to promote 

American leadership in research, technology, and innovation. Through the NSTC, I am committed to 

coordinating the implementation of this Strategy and Action Plan across executive branch departments 

and agencies to build a space-weather-ready Nation. 

s� 

Dr. Kl-�e vin K. Droegeme,er -

Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy 

– iii –
 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Table of Contents 

Abbreviations and Acronyms....................................................................................................................... v 

Objective I: Enhance the Protection of National Security, Homeland Security, and Commercial Assets 

Improve the Understanding of and Assess Vulnerabilities of Critical Infrastructures and National 

Objective II: Develop and Disseminate Accurate and Timely Space Weather Characterization and 

Objective III: Establish Plans and Procedures for Responding to and Recovering from Space Weather 

Use of this Document .................................................................................................................................. vi 

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................... vii 

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1 

and Operations against the Effects of Space Weather ............................................................................... 4 

Security Assets to Space Weather Events............................................................................................ 4 

Develop and Test Technologies that Protect and Mitigate Critical Systems and Assets .................. 5 

Forecasts ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 

Identify and Ensure Baseline Observational Capabilities................................................................... 7 

Improve Observations and Modeling for Characterization and Forecasting..................................... 8 

Ensure Timely Dissemination of Characterizations and Forecasts Useful to Consumers................. 9 

Events........................................................................................................................................................... 11 

Improve Planning for Space Weather Events.................................................................................... 11 

Test and Evaluate Plans and Procedures for Space Weather Events............................................... 12 

Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................. 13 

– iv –
 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Abbreviations and Acronyms 

DHS Department of Homeland Security 

DOC Department of Commerce 

DOD Department of Defense 

DOE Department of Energy 

DOI Department of the Interior 

DOS Department of State 

DOT Department of Transportation 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency 

FCC Federal Communications Commission 

HHS Department of Health and Human Services 

NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration 

NRC Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

NSF National Science Foundation 

– v –
 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Use of this Document 

The National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan (Strategy and Action Plan) identifies strategic 

objectives and high-level actions necessary to achieve a space-weather-ready Nation. Each action 

includes a proposed timeline for completion. The timelines are defined as short-term (six months to 

two years), medium-term (two to five years), long-term (five to ten years), and ongoing (expected to be 

repeated within the ten-year horizon). Each action includes a list of relevant agencies, with the 

recommended lead agency listed first, but does not prescribe a specific approach. Participation by 

additional agencies not listed will benefit many actions. To achieve the objectives identified in this 

strategy, the SWORM Working Group will develop an internal implementation plan with specific 

deliverables, timelines, and metrics for success. 

This strategy is intended to inform the policy development process. Any commitment of Federal 

resources to support the activities outlined in this document will be determined through the budget 

process. Strong coordination and collaboration across Federal agencies, the academic community, the 

private sector, and international allies and partners will improve America's ability to understand, 

forecast, and prepare for space weather events. 

– vi – 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Executive Summary 

Space weather comprises a set of naturally occurring phenomena that have the potential to adversely 

affect critical functions, assets, and operations in space and on Earth. Extreme space weather events 

can degrade or damage critical infrastructures, which may result in direct or cascading failures across 

key services such as electric power, communications, water supply, healthcare, and transportation. 

Preparing for space weather events will help protect infrastructure and activities vital to national 

security and the economy of the United States. 

Under the 2015 National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan, the Federal Government contributed 

to an improved understanding of space weather events and their potential effects on critical 

infrastructure and technologies. The 2015 Plan helped coordinate efforts to enhance research and 

development and to drive the improvement of operational capabilities, both forecasting and 

mitigation, through partnerships with the commercial sector, academia, and partner nations. As the 

United States seeks to increase its focus on and engage in new activities in the complex domain of 

space, and as the national dependence on technology continues to grow dramatically, this update to 

the National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan provides an opportunity to further national 

preparedness for space weather events. 

This National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan (hereafter referred to as the Strategy and Action 

Plan) identifies key objectives and activities that will improve national preparedness for space weather 

events over the next 10 years. It leverages existing national efforts and seeks to align ongoing and future 

space weather activities to increase associated Federal Government efficiency and to enhance 

American innovation. 

The Strategy and Action Plan seeks to achieve three objectives, each supported by a set of high-level 

actions, to enhance the Nation’s preparedness for space weather events: 

1. Enhance the Protection of National Security, Homeland Security, and Commercial Assets and 

Operations against the Effects of Space Weather; 

2. Develop and Disseminate Accurate and Timely Space Weather Characterization and Forecasts; 

and 

3. Establish Plans and Procedures for Responding to and Recovering from Space Weather Events. 

Efforts to achieve these objectives and link outcomes among the three objectives will help safeguard 

national security assets and critical infrastructure, crewed and uncrewed space exploration, and foster 

growth in U.S. commercial space activities. 

– vii – 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Introduction 

Space weather comprises a set of naturally occurring phenomena that have the potential to adversely 

affect critical functions, assets, and operations in space and on Earth. Extreme space weather events 

can degrade or damage critical infrastructures, which may result in direct or cascading failures across 

key services such as electric power, communications, water supply, healthcare, and transportation. The 

Sun can create space weather events that have the potential to substantially disrupt or damage critical 

functions, assets, and operations in space and on Earth, including critical infrastructure and technology 

systems.

1 Solar flares, which include large eruptions of x-rays and extreme ultraviolet radiation from 

the Sun’s surface, can temporarily degrade communications signals that transit Earth’s atmosphere. 

Coronal mass ejections, which can launch a billion tons of solar plasma towards Earth, can create 

geomagnetic disturbances that last for days. These disturbances are a natural form of electromagnetic 

pulse, or EMP, that can cause widespread disruption or damage to the electric power grid, resulting in 

large-scale blackouts. Both solar flares and coronal mass ejections often occur together with solar 

radiation storms, which produce elevated levels of energetic particles that can be dangerous for 

humans in space and may pose a risk to passengers and crew in aircraft. Space weather phenomena, 

such as geomagnetic disturbances and solar radiation storms, may disrupt or damage electronics in 

exposed systems, including satellites that are critical for communications, global navigation (provided, 

for example, by the Global Positioning System, or GPS), national security missions, remote sensing, and 

other applications. 

A space weather event in March 1989 triggered an electric power blackout in Canada, resulting in 

millions of customers without power for hours, and caused damage to some of the electric power 

transformers and other grid components in Canada and the United States. A series of space weather 

events in October 2003 disrupted infrastructure functions and technological systems across the globe, 

causing commercial airlines flights at high latitudes to be rerouted and electric power blackouts in 

Sweden. More recently, a relatively modest space weather event in November 2015 disrupted air traffic 

control systems in Sweden, resulting in the closing of the country's airspace for more than an hour. 

In addition to their direct effects on critical infrastructure, extreme space weather events can result in 

cascading failures that would affect key services such as water supply, healthcare, finance, agriculture, 

and transportation. Though less dramatic, low-intensity space weather events occur frequently. The 

combined effect of these more frequent space weather events can degrade or shorten the lifetimes of 

infrastructure systems, increasing costs and making it more challenging to maintain reliability of 

service and execute national security, homeland security, and private sector operations. 

Understanding and preparing for space weather events are critical to national security, the economy, 

infrastructure services, remote sensing, space exploration, and technology innovations that rely on 

communications systems and GPS for positioning, navigation, and timing services. Guided by national 

space weather policy, which encourages engagement with international partners, academia, and other 

elements of the private sector, substantial Federal activity has contributed to an improved 

understanding of space weather events and their potential effects on critical infrastructure and 

technologies. This includes the development of research programs to improve the understanding of 

1 Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21), titled “Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience,” identifies 16 

critical infrastructure sectors that are so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would 

have a debilitating effect on national security, the economy, public health or safety, or any combination thereof. 

– 1 – 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

space weather events; deployment of new research platforms in space and on the ground; development 

and deployment of forecast models that spans the Sun to Earth; and deployment of observation 

platforms that inform forecasting capabilities. Federal departments and agencies (hereafter, referred 

to collectively as agencies) have worked together to develop space weather benchmarks2 that quantify 

the intensity of an extreme space weather event, conduct a socio-economic analysis of the potential 

consequences of a space weather event, and share space radiation data from the GPS constellation of 

satellites to improve the research and development (R&D) needed to improve operational forecast 

models. Together, these efforts have increased awareness of and enhanced national preparedness and 

planning for the effects of space weather, strengthened global collaboration with partner nations, and 

furthered U.S. leadership in the space and hazard preparedness domains. 

This National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan (hereafter referred to as the Strategy and Action 

Plan) provides a framework for continued Federal coordination and engagement to address gaps and 

opportunities identified across national policies. This includes promoting American resilience to the 

effects of space weather with a focus on critical infrastructure; enhancing operational capabilities to 

bolster national security; and further developing technologies and capabilities to support human 

exploration and commercial space activities. This Strategy and Action Plan integrates and seeks to 

inform the implementation of elements from the 2017 National Security Strategy, Space Policy 

Directive-1 (SPD-1) titled “Reinvigorating America’s Human Space Exploration Program” (December 

2017), and SPD-3 titled “National Space Traffic Management Policy” (June 2018). 

The National Security Strategy calls for promoting American resilience through improved risk 

management, building a culture of preparedness, reducing vulnerability of U.S. critical infrastructure 

to electromagnetic attacks, and improving plans through exercises. Additionally it identifies the need 

for America to lead in research, technology, and inventions through collaborations with allies and 

partners, leveraging private capital and expertise, and rapidly fielding innovations. The National 

Security Strategy also identifies the need for the United States to maintain leadership and freedom of 

action in space, including advancing space as a priority domain, promoting space commerce, and 

maintaining the lead in exploration. Enhanced resilience to space weather events will contribute to 

these elements of National Security Strategy. 

SPD-1 calls for the Nation to lead an innovative and sustainable program of exploration with 

commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the solar system and to bring 

back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities. SPD-3 calls for the Federal Government to establish 

an updated architecture for space traffic management, enhance space situational awareness, and 

provide associated data in a way that encourages innovation and maintains American leadership in 

space. Enhanced resilience to space weather events will help enable implementation of these national 

space policies. This is part of broader American resilience, and is critical to sustainable space 

operations, exploration, and commercialization. 

The Strategy and Action Plan establishes three key objectives to better prepare the Nation for the 

effects of space weather: 

NSTC, SWORM Subcommittee, Space Weather Phase 1 Benchmarks, June 2018, 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Space-Weather-Phase-1-Benchmarks-Report.pdf 

– 2 – 

2 
 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Objective I: Enhance the Protection of National Security, Homeland Security, and Commercial 

Assets and Operations against the Effects of Space Weather 

Space weather poses a risk to civilian critical infrastructure, defense and intelligence systems, and 

military operations. Strengthening critical infrastructure security and resilience to space weather 

events requires an understanding of and a reduction in critical infrastructure vulnerabilities to the 

effects of space weather. Space weather can damage or disrupt space-based assets, jeopardize or 

impair crewed and uncrewed space activities, and adversely affect the ability to track objects in space. 

Understanding vulnerabilities to and protecting against the effects of space weather should inform 

satellite and spacecraft owners’ and operators’ design and engineering plans, mitigation strategies, 

and operational decision-making in the space environment. Space weather effects on ground systems, 

such as radars, or space-, air-, and ground-based communication links, pose a risk to national and 

homeland security. Developing and refining strategies to protect against and mitigate the potential 

disruptive effects of space weather, such as hardening critical assets, can minimize space weather risks 

and enhance resilience. 

Objective II: Develop and Disseminate Accurate and Timely Space Weather Characterization and 

Forecasts 

Timely and accurate space weather characterization and forecasts are critical to inform the planning, 

execution, and decision-making of operations for a diverse set of stakeholders including critical 

infrastructure owners and operators, the military, and private sector satellite owners and operators. 

Improved understanding, observations, forecasts, and models for space weather events can lead to 

better quality and more timely space weather products and services as well as contribute to supporting 

safe, stable, and sustainable space activities. 

Objective III: Establish Plans and Procedures for Responding to and Recovering from Space 

Weather Events 

The ability to rapidly respond to and recover from extreme space weather events requires coordinated 

efforts and established plans and procedures. Conducting exercises to test and validate these plans and 

strategies can allow relevant stakeholders to practice and refine them. An improved understanding of 

critical system and asset vulnerabilities to the effects of space weather (Objective I), and a robust 

forecasting capability that can enable more timely and accurate services and products (Objective II) are 

important to inform Federal, State, local governments’, private sector and others’ efforts, capabilities, 

and investments in managing space weather events. 

– 3 – 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Objective I: Enhance the Protection of National Security, Homeland Security, 

and Commercial Assets and Operations against the Effects of Space Weather 

The evolving dependence on technology and infrastructure systems coupled with the increasing degree 

of interconnectedness of these systems has increased the vulnerability of the Nation. There is a need to 

assess and address the vulnerabilities of national security capabilities to space weather events, 

including prioritizing risk management of national security mission planning and situational 

awareness. 

The outcomes of these activities will serve as key inputs to manage the risk of space weather events. To 

enhance the resilience of the American homeland and national security assets to the effects of space 

weather, the Federal Government should work with partners to achieve the following: 

Improve the Understanding of and Assess Vulnerabilities of Critical Infrastructures and National 

Security Assets to Space Weather Events 

A more thorough assessment is needed to identify the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure systems 

and national security assets, representative of those deployed across the globe, to the effects of space 

weather events. Assessing vulnerabilities can inform efforts to identify and protect those infrastructure 

systems, assets, and technologies at greatest risk to space weather and inform pragmatic approaches 

to enhance national preparedness. Obtaining an actionable understanding of the effects of space 

weather and the way it can affect individual systems and propagate across interconnected systems and 

assets requires improved models. In addition to models, benchmarks of space weather phenomena can 

provide useful input for creating engineering standards, developing vulnerability assessments, 

establishing decision points and thresholds for action, understanding risk, developing more effective 

mitigation procedures and practices, and enhancing response and recovery planning and the execution 

of the national security mission, national critical functions, and national essential functions. 

1.1 Refine space weather benchmarks that provide quantitative baselines to assess the 

intensity of space weather events. This includes refining the Phase 1 Benchmarks that were 

released by the National Science and Technology Council in 2018 for induced geo-electric 

fields, ionizing radiation, ionospheric disturbance, solar radio bursts, and upper atmospheric 

expansion. These benchmarks should be in a form useful to the owners and operators of 

systems and assets that contribute to critical national functions. [Mid-term; Department of 

Commerce (DOC), Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Energy (DOE), Department 

of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of State (DOS), 

Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), National 

Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Science Foundation (NSF)] 

1.2 Assess the vulnerability of priority critical infrastructure systems and national security 

assets to the effects of space weather and use the results to inform risk management. 

Vulnerability assessments should include interdependencies and failure modes among 

sectors that could contribute to cascading failures. This action should include assessments of 

national critical functions and associated priority critical infrastructure and national security 

systems, assets, and networks, representative of those deployed across the globe and in 

space. Federal agencies should work with private sector critical infrastructure owners, 

operators, and users, as appropriate, prioritizing national security assets and the energy, 

communications, and financial sectors. This action should also include efforts to develop 

hazard maps of the United States and space to improve estimations of how space weather 

– 4 – 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

can affect technology. [Mid-term; DHS, DOC, DOD, DOE, DOI, DOT, Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Treasury 

(Treasury), DOI, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)] 

1.3 Model the effects of space weather on space-, air-, and ground-based national critical 

functions and associated priority critical infrastructure and national security systems, 

assets, and networks. This action should include efforts to identify existing and develop new 

operational models that predict space weather effects on infrastructure. This action will help 

inform the effectiveness of mitigation approaches and should seek nationwide or global 

models, as appropriate. In conducting this research and development, Federal agencies will 

work with academia and private sector critical infrastructure owners, operators, and users, 

as appropriate, to test and validate these models. [Mid-term; DHS, DOC, DOD, DOE, DOI, DOS, 

DOT, EPA, HHS, NASA, NRC, NSF, and Treasury] 

1.4 Identify and assess the effects of frequent and extreme space weather events on 

operations and missions. To better quantify and manage the risk space weather poses to 

critical assets and national security missions, there is a need to identify and assess the 

consequences of both direct and indirect effects of space weather. Complemented by the 

vulnerability assessments conducted in action 1.2 and the system modeling developments in 

action 1.3, these assessments can support a more holistic understanding of risks to inform 

planning activities for extreme and routine space weather events. [Mid-term; DOD/DHS, and 

DOC] 

1.5 Assess the cost of space weather effects on the operations and implementation of 

critical missions. Space weather events—both frequent, lower-intensity events and extreme 

events—can negatively affect the execution of critical operations and missions. These effects 

can range from delay and avoidance to replacement of damaged systems. Agencies should 

assess the cost of space weather on the implementation of critical missions to better prioritize 

investments to mitigate the effects of space weather. [Mid-term; DHS, DOC, DOD, DOE, DOI, 

DOS, DOT, EPA, HHS, NASA, and Treasury] 

Develop and Test Technologies that Protect and Mitigate Critical Systems and Assets 

Developing and deploying methods, techniques, and technologies is important for minimizing and 

mitigating the potential consequences of space weather events, both frequent and extreme. Activities 

to harden or increase the resilience of homeland and national security critical assets and systems in 

space, air, and on the ground are key for preparing the Nation against the effects of space weather. 

1.6 Identify and prioritize R&D necessary to enhance the security and resilience of critical 

functions and national security assets to the effects of space weather. Identifying R&D 

gaps in science and engineering can inform efforts to mitigate and address space weather 

risks on critical functions and assets. Agencies should work across Federal laboratories, the 

private sector, and academia, as appropriate, to identify and prioritize R&D needs to improve 

the security and resilience of infrastructure systems, assets, and networks that provide 

critical national functions and support the national security mission. This should include 

identifying new designs or engineering approaches that enable systems to withstand the 

effects of space weather, informed by the results of 1.4. [Short-term; DHS, DOC, DOD, DOE, 

HHS, NASA, and NSF] 

– 5 – 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

1.7 Test, evaluate, and deploy technologies and devices to mitigate the effects of space 

weather on critical functions and assets. This action should include Sector Specific 

Agencies’3 plans and pilot programs to test devices that mitigate the effects of space weather 

on communication systems, geomagnetic disturbances on the electrical power grid, or 

radiation events on satellites. It should also include the development of processes to improve 

the transition of research approaches to operations, and utilize incentives and cost recovery 

mechanisms to encourage private sector participation. [Mid-term; DHS, DOC, DOD, DOE, HHS, 

and NASA] 

1.8 Support the development and use of standards for improved resilience of equipment to 

space-weather events. Through participation in cross-sector, multilateral, or bilateral fora, 

the United States should seek to encourage the development of relevant open, consensusbased international standards that focus on improving resilience of equipment. These 

standards should include designing and engineering resilience into equipment or identifying 

best practices for shielding or hardening infrastructure systems, assets, and networks to the 

effects of space weather. [Ongoing; DHS, DOC, DOD, DOE, DOS, DOT, HHS, NASA, and NRC] 

Each of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors defined in PPD-21 is assigned a Sector-Specific Agency that has 

specialized knowledge about the sector. Each Sector-Specific Agency helps its designated sector coordinate 

and collaborate with the Federal government to strengthen security and resilience of critical infrastructure. 

– 6 – 

3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Objective II: Develop and Disseminate Accurate and Timely Space Weather 

Characterization and Forecasts 

Timely and accurate characterization4 and forecasting of how and where space weather events change 

the operational environment in space and on Earth will enhance the security and resilience of critical 

infrastructure and improve the ability to protect national security assets. Industry uses 

characterizations and forecasts to inform operations, such as modifications to electric power grid 

operations, changes in commercial flight paths, delaying surveying and oil drilling operations, and 

modifying activities in space. Providing regional and global characterization of space weather 

conditions, which can affect communications, surveillance, and navigation, helps enable the execution 

of national security missions across all domains. Developing and advancing forecasting capabilities 

with increased accuracy, lead-time, and geographic resolution will enable more effective mitigation 

approaches and can contribute to efforts to protect space-based assets and operations, foster a safer 

and more sustainable space environment for human exploration and commercial space endeavors, and 

protect and support the national security missions. 

To sustain and enhance the national capability to provide timely characterization and forecasts of 

space weather and its effects, the Federal Government should work with partners to achieve the 

following: 

Identify and Ensure Baseline Observational Capabilities 

Timely and accurate space weather products and services are key inputs to inform operational 

procedures for national security missions, space operations, and critical infrastructure services, such 

as electric power grid operations, commercial aviation, and tactical communications. Understanding 

how the Sun, Earth, and interplanetary space are connected as a system, and making relevant 

observations of this system, are the indispensable foundation of these products and services. To ensure 

adequate and sustained real-time observations for space-weather analysis, forecasting, and decisionsupport services, the Federal Government will identify a baseline operational observation capability. 

The observational baseline should specify the optimal mix of ground-based and space-based 

observations to enable continuous and timely space weather products and services. The associated 

data reception, relay, processing, assimilation, and archiving infrastructure required to utilize spaceweather observations must be included in the baseline. 

2.1 Identify baseline ground-based, sea-based, air-based, and space-based operational 

observation capabilities. Identifying and establishing a baseline is necessary to prioritize 

critical observation capabilities that contribute to the current operational suite of space 

weather products and services. This baseline can enable the development and refinement of 

products and services necessary to inform the protection of systems, services, and assets that 

contribute to national security operations and national critical functions. [Short-term; DOC, 

DOD, DOI, DOS, NASA, and NSF] 

2.2 Ensure baseline operational space weather observation platforms, capabilities, and 

networks. Observations are critical to enable timely and accurate forecasting. This action 

should include efforts to sustain baseline observation capabilities and identify opportunities 

to increase their reliability, utilize new technologies, and reduce their cost through 

4 Characterization includes measurement, assessment, and modeling of the space weather environment to 

inform now-casts, situational awareness, historical studies and forensics, and attribution. 

– 7 – 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

partnerships with the private sector, academia, and international partners, as appropriate. 

[Ongoing; DOC, DOD, DOI, DOS, NASA, and NSF] 

Improve Observations and Modeling for Characterization and Forecasting 

Improving the understanding and forecasting of space weather events requires enhancing existing 

capabilities, deploying new and innovative observational platforms and technologies, and leveraging 

private sector partnerships and international engagement, where appropriate. Continuing scientific 

and technological advancements will enable further enhancement of observational and modeling 

capabilities beyond the minimally sufficient baseline identified in Action 3.1. Coordinating and 

maintaining support for this work will provide opportunities to improve the accuracy and the lead-time 

of space weather forecasts. Additionally, improving the understanding and characterization of the 

effects space weather phenomena have on Earth and in the space environment can improve situational 

awareness, informing decision-making and enabling the execution of missions that depend on 

technologies and services susceptible to disruptions from space weather. 

The Nation has invested in the development of research infrastructure and predictive models to meet 

the needs of a growing space-weather user community, however, existing modeling capabilities still fall 

short of providing what is needed to meet these demands. To fully realize the benefits of its research 

investments, the Nation should develop improved research models targeted to operational needs, 

transition these research models to operational models, and incorporate them into operational 

forecasts. 

2.3 Support and coordinate opportunities for fundamental research in heliophysics and 

geospace sciences. Understanding the underlying physical processes of the Sun that drive 

space weather events, and processes in Earth’s near space environment, are necessary to 

improve forecasting and enhance preparedness efforts. [Ongoing; NASA, DOI, and NSF] 

2.4 Identify, develop, and test innovative approaches to enable enhanced, more 

informative, robust, and cost-effective measurements. Improved measurements may 

provide enhanced information about a variety of space weather phenomena, which can be 

used to improve forecast lead-time, accuracy, and geographic resolution. Opportunities for 

improving measurements include increased spatial and temporal resolution, fidelity, 

promptness, and measurement system reliability. This action should include the utilization 

of new or additional measurements provided by the private sector and the development of 

novel observational approaches in partnership with the private sector and international 

partners, where appropriate. This action should prioritize approaches that provide the most 

improvement to space weather forecasting and characterization capabilities. [Short-term; 

NASA/NSF, DOC, DOD, DOI, and DOS] 

2.5 Enhance current space weather models and develop improved modeling techniques for 

space weather. Testing and validation of forecasts and models is critical to ensuring their 

relevance and accuracy. Key tasks for completing this action include enhancing data 

integration and utilization, developing metrics to measure and evaluate the performance and 

capabilities of operational and scientific models, supporting R&D to improve models, and 

identifying computational resource requirements for openly running and testing operational 

models. [Mid-term; DOC/NASA, DOD, DOE, DOI, and NSF] 

2.6 Identify and release, as appropriate, new or previously underutilized data sets. Greater 

access to existing data sets could improve the development, validation, and testing of models 

– 8 – 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

used for characterizing and forecasting space weather events. Examples of underutilized data 

sets include historical space weather relevant data from U.S. Government satellites, U.S. 

Government funded ground-based observatories and networks, and in situ measurements 

throughout the electric power grid. [Short-term; DOD, DOC, DOE, DOI, NASA, and NSF] 

2.7 Identify mechanisms for sustaining and transitioning models and observational 

capabilities from research to operations. Transitioning models from research to operations 

and leveraging operations to identify gaps in research is critical to improving operational 

space weather forecasts and services. Mechanisms for completing this action should include 

leveraging existing capabilities and centers, such as the DOC Space Weather Prediction 

Center, NASA Community Coordinated Modeling Center, or the Joint Center for Satellite Data 

Assimilation, or creating a more formal framework to enhance and accelerate the transition 

from research to operations, including academic, private sector, and international 

partnerships, where appropriate. [Ongoing; DOC, DOD, DOS, NASA, and NSF] 

Ensure Timely Dissemination of Characterizations and Forecasts Useful to Consumers 

Timely notifications of an impending space weather event and its potential effects on the Nation’s 

critical infrastructure and space-, air-, and ground-based national security assets are key to preparing 

for the effects of space weather. These notifications must be disseminated and communicated to 

decision-makers in a readable and usable format. 

2.8 Enhance accessibility and sharing of observational data across the stakeholder 

community. Increased access to government, civilian, and commercial space-weather 

observational infrastructure and data across the globe is of mutual benefit to the United 

States and its partners. Cross-sector and international cooperation in the observation and 

characterization of space weather events will enhance global preparedness. [Short-term; 

DOS/DOC, DOD, DOI, NASA, and NSF] 

2.9 Improve the effectiveness of space weather event notifications. Improving the overall 

effectiveness of space weather notifications may require strengthening mechanisms for their 

communication, dissemination, and coordination. It may also require educating the public 

and other recipients of these notifications regarding the potential effects of space weather 

and appropriate responses in the event of notification. This action can include ensuring that 

space weather events do not prevent dissemination of space weather products to consumers. 

To the extent feasible, notifications should include information content that will enable rapid 

selection and implementation of pre-planned response measures. In completing this action, 

the Federal Government will coordinate with State, local, and Tribal governments, private 

sector users and operators, international partners, and the media, as appropriate. [Shortterm; DOC, DHS, DOD, DOE, DOS, and NASA] 

2.10 Engage international partners to ensure space weather products and services are 

globally coordinated and consistent, as appropriate, during extreme events. As a leader 

in space, the United States will continue to work through international fora such as the United 

Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space5 and the World Meteorological 

5 Within the United Nations General Assembly, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) 

governs the exploration and use of outer space. Their mandate is to strengthen international legal regimes that 

govern space and to support efforts that maximize the benefits of space science and technology. 

– 9 – 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Organization6 to coordinate the consistent messaging and communication of space weather 

events. This action should include the potential development of international standards for 

exchanging space weather data. [Ongoing; DOS, DOC, DOD, and NASA] 

2.11 Develop and refine situational awareness capabilities. Robust situational awareness 

capabilities can enable the effective execution of missions, and the rapid detection, warning, 

characterization, and attribution of natural versus man-made disturbances to technologies 

and infrastructure systems critical to national and homeland security. This action should 

include developing systems that provide new or additional real-time information pertaining 

to satellite anomalies. [Mid-term; DOC, DHS, DOD, DOE, DOS, DOT, EPA, NASA, and Treasury] 

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible 

for assessments and international policies regarding the behavior of the Earth’s atmosphere and its interaction 

with terrestrial assets. 

– 10 – 

6 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Objective III: Establish Plans and Procedures for Responding to and 

Recovering from Space Weather Events 

Establishing, exercising, and enhancing operational plans and procedures to address the threat of 

space weather will improve mitigation, response, and recovery capabilities. Validating operational 

plans and procedures through measurement, realistic tests, and exercises is critical to ensuring their 

effectiveness. Actions to improve the understanding of vulnerabilities to and effects of space weather 

on critical systems and assets, as identified in Objective I, can reduce uncertainties in planning and 

mitigation strategies for space weather events. Vulnerability assessments should inform operational 

procedures and tests. As new technology enhances modeling or real-time monitoring of space weather 

effects, updates to procedures and testing should follow. Testing these plans and procedures through 

coordinated exercises can provide valuable insights for key stakeholders to validate and refine their 

plans. 

To establish and enhance plans and procedures for responding to space weather events, the Federal 

Government should work with stakeholders, as appropriate, to achieve the following: 

Improve Planning for Space Weather Events 

The National Security Strategy identifies improved planning as a key component of resilience. 

Performing realistic simulations and exercises can help validate mitigation strategies and preparedness 

activities that are needed before, during, and after a space weather event. Exercises can increase 

awareness and improve the understanding of the effects of space weather on the Nation’s critical 

infrastructure, services, and functions. The feedback and lessons learned can improve the 

implementation of preparedness activities. 

3.1 Develop, review, and update Federal response plans, programs, and procedures to 

address the effects of space weather. Integration of space weather products into national 

preparedness strategies and procedures is important to enable a coordinated response to 

space weather events. To the extent feasible, Federal hazard preparedness plans and programs 

should account for space weather events and their potential effects. For example, these plans 

should incorporate information gathered from the refined benchmarks and vulnerability 

assessments identified in Objective I. [Mid-term; all Federal departments and agencies that 

support national critical functions and the national security mission] 

3.2 Develop and disseminate products and information on the effects of space weather that 

support coordinated response and recovery efforts. Enhancing the understanding and 

awareness of the potential disruptive effects of space weather is key to promoting the 

integration of space weather into planning and mitigation strategies. For example, guidance on 

emergency management protocols during response to space weather events can support 

efforts to execute a coordinated national and global response. [Ongoing; DHS/DOS, DOC, DOD, 

and NASA] 

– 11 – 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

3.3 Facilitate information sharing to inform and enhance the operation and restoration of 

critical infrastructure at greatest risk to the effects of space weather. Sharing information 

on the effects of space weather on space-, air-, and ground-based systems can inform 

operations, research, and models. Mechanisms to disseminate data on these effects and 

information that inform best practices for preparedness can contribute to whole-of-community 

coordinated approaches to mitigate space weather effects and enhance the operation and 

restoration of critical infrastructures and national security assets at greatest risk. This should 

include the development and sustainment of a database for satellite anomalies, such as 

temporary upsets in function, loss of communications, or failure of the satellite, which can be 

used to better understand the effects of space weather on satellite operations. [Ongoing; DHS, 

DOC, DOD, DOE, DOI, DOS, DOT, EPA, HHS, NASA, and Treasury] 

Test and Evaluate Plans and Procedures for Space Weather Events 

Space weather is a global hazard that can affect infrastructures, systems, and assets across sector, 

regional, state, and international boundaries. Comprehensive guidance for improving operational 

protocols to enhance preparedness capabilities must consider the increasing interconnectedness of 

infrastructure systems. Additionally, increasing the awareness of space weather benchmarks and space 

weather attribution, characterization, and forecasting capabilities can enhance time-sensitive 

operational procedures. 

3.4 Assess executive and statutory authority regarding the ability to direct, suspend, or 

control critical infrastructure operations, functions, and services before, during, and after 

space weather events. This will inform the development of operational plans to protect 

against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the effects of space weather, prioritizing the 

lifeline functions that include communications, energy, transportation, and water 

management. For example, this should include the Department of Energy assessing their ability 

to protect or restore the reliability of critical electric infrastructure during a grid security 

emergency driven by a geomagnetic disturbance. [Short-term; DHS, DOC, DOD, DOE, DOI, DOT, 

EPA, NRC, and Treasury] 

3.5 Exercise Federal response, recovery, and operations plans and procedures for space 

weather events. Periodic simulation and exercise that covers reaction to forecasts, mitigation, 

response, and recovery activities can improve the ability of key Federal stakeholders to prepare 

for space weather events. These activities may benefit from engagement with international, 

State, local, tribal, and territorial governments and the private sector, as appropriate. The 

results of the exercises could inform updates and revisions to appropriate Federal operating 

concepts and other relevant planning documents. [Ongoing; DHS, DOC, DOD, DOE, DOS, DOT, 

and NRC] 

– 12 –
 

 

 

NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN 

Conclusion 

Space weather poses a constant threat to the Nation’s critical infrastructure, our satellites in orbit, and 

our crewed and uncrewed space activities. Extreme space weather events can cause substantial harm 

to our Nation’s security and economic vitality. This Strategy and Action Plan provides a collaborative 

and federally coordinated roadmap for strengthening our resilience to space weather events. Achieving 

the objectives in this Strategy and Action Plan will require coordination and collaboration within and 

across the Federal Government, as well as engagement with the commercial sector, academia, and likeminded nations. Preparing for space weather events is an important aspect of American resilience that 

bolsters national and homeland security and facilitates continued U.S. leadership in space. 

– 13 –
 

II 1,1 II 11111111 II II II II II '-..,/ II II II II II 

------ - ;J(" - ,,,..._,.....,.,,,...,_,_ 

11111111 II" II 11111111 

II II II II II II II II II II 

II II II II II II II II II II 

THE WHITE HOUSE