The National Space 

Weather Program

Strategic Plan

June 2010
NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER PROGRAM COUNCIL

MR. SAMUEL P. WILLIAMSON, Chairman

Federal Coordinator for Meteorology

DR. JOHN HAYES

Department of Commerce

DR. FRED LEWIS

Department of Defense

MR. W. RANDALL BELL

Department of Energy 

MR. JAMES F. DEVINE

Department of the Interior

DR. HAROLD BELL 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Alternate

MR. DAMON WELLS

Offi ce of Science and Technology Policy

Observer

MR. KENNETH HODGKINS

Department of State

MS. VICTORIA COX

Department of Transportation

DR. RICHARD FISHER

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

DR. TIMOTHY KILLEEN

National Science Foundation

MS. MARY KICZA 

Department of Commerce

Alternate

MS. GRACE HU

Offi ce of Management and Budget

Observer

MR. MICHAEL F. BONADONNA, Executive Secretary

Offi ce of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research

COMMITTEE FOR SPACE WEATHER

DR. THOMAS BOGDAN, Cochair

Director, Space Weather Prediction Center

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Department of Commerce

COLONEL MARK ZETTLEMOYER, Cochair

Chief, Integration, Plans, and Requirements Division

United States Air Force Directorate of Weather

Department of Defense

DR. WILLIAM DENIG

National Geophysical Data Center

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Department of Commerce

DR. KEN SCHWARTZ

Program Manager

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Department of Defense

COMMANDER ANDREW LOMAX

Oceanographer of the Navy Staff Offi cer

United States Navy

Department of Defense

LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVID RODRIGUEZ

National Nuclear Security Administration

Department of Energy

DR. ROBERT ROBINSON

Upper Atmospheric Research Program

National Science Foundation

MAJOR KELLY DOSER

United States Air Force Directorate of Weather

Department of Defense

MR. WILLIAM MURTAGH

Space Weather Prediction Center

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Department of Commerce

DR. RICHARD BEHNKE, Cochair

Director Upper Atmospheric Research Program

National Science Foundation

DR. MADHULIKA GUHATHAKURTA Cochair

LWS Program Scientist, ILWS 

Heliophysics Division

National Aeronautical and Space Administration

DR. JILL DAHLBURG

Superintendent, Space Science Division

Naval Research Laboratory 

Department of Defense

DR. JOEL MOZER

Space Weather Center of Excellence

Air Force Research Laboratory

Department of Defense

MR. STEVEN ALBERSHEIM

Aviation Weather Policy and Standards

Federal Aviation Administration 

Department of Transportation

DR. JEFFREY J. LOVE

United States Geological Survey

Department of Interior

DR. PAUL KINTNER

Offi ce of Space and Advanced Technology

Department of State

DR. JOHN ALLEN

Space Operations Mission Directorate

National Aeronautical and Space Administration

DR. ARIK POSNER

Heliophysics Division

National Aeronautical and Space Administration

MR. MICHAEL F. BONADONNA, Executive Secretary

Offi ce of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research

Cover: Adapted from NASA graphic by Erin McNamara, OFCM
NATIONAL SPACE WEATHER PROGRAM

STRATEGIC PLAN

FCM-P30-2010

Washington, DC

June 2010
Foreword

On behalf of the National Space Weather Program Council, I am pleased to release the new 

National Space Weather Program Strategic Plan. Under the auspices of the Offi ce of the 

Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (OFCM), the 

Committee for Space Weather (CSW) prepared this plan for the Council’s consideration and 

approval. The initial strategic plan, published in 1995, established the National Space Weather 

Program (NSWP) and set in motion a series of activities that have, over the intervening years, 

fostered substantial progress in the national space weather enterprise. Two editions of the 

NSWP Implementation Plan in 1997 and 2000 played signifi cant roles in charting the course of 

development of our national space weather capabilities.

In 2005, the Federal and Interdepartmental Committees for Meteorological Services and 

Supporting Research directed the OFCM to conduct a comprehensive review of the NSWP. To 

perform this independent review and assessment, a committee of six individuals with expertise 

encompassing the science and applications aspects of space weather was convened. The 

recommendations from this independent assessment, the input from numerous space weather 

conferences, and the legacy of 15 years of progress in the national space weather enterprise 

provided a solid foundation upon which to build this new NSWP Strategic Plan. The Plan will 

promote the space weather advances our Nation will need as our technology-enabled society 

races forward in this new century and, at the same time, enhance our society’s awareness of the 

potential impacts of space weather. 

I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the members of the National 

Space Weather Program Council and the Committee for Space Weather for their dedicated efforts 

in support of this critical national program. 

Samuel P. Williamson

Federal Coordinator for Meteorology 

and 

Chairman, National Space Weather Program Council

ii
Executive Summary

The National Space Weather Program (NSWP) is a Federal interagency initiative established in 

1995 to improve our capability to make timely and reliable predictions of signifi cant disturbances 

in space weather and to provide this information in ways that are tailored to the specifi c needs 

of those who are potentially affected by them. It has also fostered an increased awareness of 

space weather within the stakeholder community as well as the general public. The NSWP 

organizations have established research and development facilities, promoted new observing 

capabilities, worked to transition successful research results into improved products and services, 

initiated forums to discuss and publicize the importance of space weather to society, helped 

prepare government and civil authorities to mitigate the impact of space weather, and helped 

build the training and education pipeline for new space weather professionals. 

The term “space weather” refers to the variable conditions on the Sun, throughout space, and in 

the Earth’s magnetic fi eld and upper atmosphere that can infl uence the performance of spaceborne and ground-based technological systems and endanger human life or health. Adverse 

conditions in the space environment can disrupt satellite operations, communications, navigation, 

and electric power distribution grids, leading to a variety of socioeconomic losses and impacts on 

our security. As our society becomes more technologically advanced, our vulnerability to space 

weather signifi cantly increases. 

The NSWP is guided by the vision of a future society better prepared for the effects of space 

weather and supported by an effective and effi cient space weather enterprise. The Strategic Plan 

describes this vision, the mission of the NSWP, and the goals the program will pursue to achieve 

this vision.

Vision: A nation that capitalizes on advances in science and forecasting to better cope with the 

adverse impacts of space weather on human activity and on advanced technologies that underlie 

our global economy and national security.

Mission: The NSWP serves as the focal point for the Federal Government’s national space 

weather enterprise and partnerships. By providing an active, synergistic, interagency forum for 

collaboration, the NSWP facilitates mutually benefi cial interactions among the Nation’s research 

and operational communities. The NSWP develops effective and effi cient strategies and options 

to meet the various space weather challenges facing the Nation and works to advance basic 

scientifi c research and exploration, enhance reliable space environmental services, increase 

public awareness, and support national policy formulation. 

Goals:

I. Discover and understand the physical conditions and processes that produce space 

weather and its effects. 

II. Develop and sustain necessary observational capabilities. 

III. Provide tailored and accurate space weather information where and when it’s needed. 

IV. Raise national awareness of the impacts of space weather. 

V. Foster communications among government, commercial, and academic organizations.

iii
Table of Contents

Foreword ......................................................................................................................................... ii

Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................iii

Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iv

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

Strategic Plan for the Next Decade ................................................................................................. 4

The National Space Weather Program Management Plan .............................................................. 9

Space Weather Impacts on Society ............................................................................................... 15

Member Agencies Roles and Missions ......................................................................................... 22

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 24

iv
Introduction 

Adverse conditions in the space environment can cause disruption of satellite operations, 

communications, navigation, and electric power distribution grids, leading to severe 

socioeconomic losses as well as impacts on our security. Given the growing importance of space 

to security and economic well-being, it is critical that 

the Nation continue to explore ways to mitigate the 

deleterious effects of severe space weather.

The National Space Weather Program (NSWP) was 

established in 1995 to provide coordination and 

oversight in support of space environmental forecasting, 

research, data acquisition, model development, 

technology transition, operations, education, and public 

outreach. 

As we approach the next peak of solar activity, our 

Nation faces many uncertainties resulting from our 

increased reliance on space weather-affected technologies for communications, navigation, 

security, and other activities, many of which underpin our national infrastructure and economy. 

We also face increased exposure to potential space weather-driven human health risks as transpolar fl ights and commercial space activities increase and humans spend longer periods of time 

in space.

The NSWP has played and will continue to play a vital role in guiding our national effort by the 

Federal Government, the private sector, and academia to foster substantial improvements in our 

national space weather enterprise. This plan builds on the fi rst strategic plan that was developed 

in 1995. It will guide the future efforts of the national space weather enterprise in pursuing vital 

capabilities and in developing world-leading space environmental products and services for the 

Nation. 

Space Weather Impacts on Society

Our knowledge of the space environment is advancing toward a better understanding of the Sun, 

its radiant energy, the continuous solar wind, and the occasional expulsion of turbulent and high 

energy plasmas from the Sun’s outer layers. While the Earth’s magnetic fi eld provides a partial 

shield against hazardous space radiation and “solar storms,” solar wind dynamics drive the nearEarth environment. The complex interactions of solar radiation and the Earth’s environment 

cause a wide variety of effects on spacecraft and ground systems critical to our everyday lives. 

1

“Space weather” refers to the variable conditions on the Sun, throughout 

space, and in the Earth’s magnetic fi eld and upper atmosphere that can 

infl uence the performance of space-borne and ground-based technological 

systems and endanger human life or health. 
Although we have already learned much about the Sun-Earth relationship, our present ability to 

make accurate space weather forecasts is relatively immature, as was the case with atmospheric 

weather forecasts several decades ago. 

Space weather effects on human activity are less intuitive than the very familiar rain, snow, and 

wind of terrestrial weather. However, space weather phenomena do reveal themselves on a daily 

basis. Member organizations of the National Space Weather Program are working continuously 

to understand space weather and to help the Nation mitigate its negative impacts.

Space weather can impact, among other things, satellite operations, orbits, and communications; 

the distribution of electric power; the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other navigation 

systems; communications of almost every kind; commercial and military aviation; the safety 

of humans in space; the accuracy of surveying; the extraction of oil and natural gas from far 

beneath the Earth’s surface; and national security and military activities around the world. The 

potential impacts of an extreme event are highlighted in the National Research Council report, 

Severe Space Weather Events—Understanding Societal and Economic Impacts: A Workshop 

Report. Additional details on the impacts of space weather are presented in Appendix A and in a 

Space Weather Primer on the Space Weather Prediction Center website at 

http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/primer/primer.html

A more comprehensive review is presented in the monograph The Sun, The Earth, and NearEarth Space: A Guide to the Sun-Earth System (2009) by John A. Eddy, ISBN 978-0-16-083809-

9, published by the U.S. Government Printing Offi ce, Washington, DC.

Our Nation’s reliance on technological systems continues to grow rapidly, and many of these 

systems are susceptible to failure or unreliable performance because of extreme space weather 

conditions. As our ability to provide timely and reliable space weather forecasts improves, we 

will be able to better mitigate or avoid these vulnerabilities. Although today’s ability to forecast 

space weather is not yet commensurate with traditional weather forecasts, the technical skills, 

the technological and scientifi c advancements in remote sensing and computational sciences, and 

the satellite data are now emerging to signifi cantly improve our understanding of space weather 

and to signifi cantly upgrade the quality and timeliness of space weather forecasts, products, and 

services. 

NSWP strategic plan initiatives can result in social, economic, and national security benefi ts that 

affect, among others, the following national and international activities:

 - Economic development 

 - Communications

 - Aviation

 - Transportation and freight shipping by air, land, and sea

 - National energy policy and activities

 - Homeland security/emergency management

 - National defense

 - Scientifi c research

2
Benefi ts for these and other economic and societal activities can be realized if designers of 

technological systems can (1) anticipate space environmental conditions to which the hardware 

will be subjected; (2) depend on accurate and timely predictions of space weather; (3) take 

advantage of post-event analyses to determine the source of system anomalies and failures; and 

(4) build historical databases and develop subsequent engineering strategies for future planning. 

Accurate and timely space weather forecasts enable operators and users of vulnerable systems to 

take mitigating actions, thereby minimizing the adverse effects of space weather. Thanks to the 

work of government, industry, and academia, space weather capabilities are in place. However, 

our observing and forecasting ability is still relatively limited.

3
Strategic Plan for the Next Decade

To build upon the progress made since its inception 15 years ago, the NSWP will pursue 

expanded goals to execute its mission in order to achieve a vision of the future national space 

weather enterprise. 

This plan covers a period of roughly 10 years and will be reviewed and updated as necessary. 

The NSWP’s Committee for Space Weather will develop an implementation plan based on 

this strategic plan that will contain detailed timelines to address program goals and activities. 

Progress will be closely monitored using appropriate metrics, documented in the implementation 

plan, which will track milestones toward the completion of stated program goals.

Vision: 

Mission: 

The NSWP serves as the focal point for the Federal Government’s national space weather 

enterprise and partnerships. By providing an active, synergistic, interagency forum for 

collaboration, the NSWP facilitates mutually benefi cial interactions among the Nation’s research 

and operational communities. The NSWP develops effective and effi cient strategies and options 

to meet the various space weather challenges facing the Nation and works to advance basic 

scientifi c research and exploration, enhance reliable space environmental services, increase 

public awareness, and support national policy formulation. 

Goals: 

4

I. Discover and understand the physical conditions and processes that 

produce space weather and its effects. 

II. Develop and sustain necessary observational capabilities. 

III. Provide tailored and accurate space weather information where and 

when it’s needed. 

IV. Raise national awareness of the impacts of space weather. 

V. Foster communications among government, commercial, and academic 

organizations. 

A nation that capitalizes on advances in science and forecasting to better cope 

with the adverse impacts of space weather on human activity and on advanced 

technologies that underlie our global economy and national security.
Program Goals and Objectives

Several objectives support each of the fi ve program goals to help focus agency efforts to 

achieve the mission and attain the vision.

Goal I:

Discover and understand the physical conditions and processes that 

produce space weather and its effects.

Forecasting space weather depends on understanding the fundamental processes that give 

rise to hazardous events. Continued support for research is essential to achieve the level of 

understanding required for accurate predictions. Particularly important is the study of processes 

that link the Sun-Earth system and that control the fl ow of energy within the coupled system. 

Development of new instrumentation and observing capabilities are also important for discovery, 

understanding and as input to space weather models. Metrics need to be established so that 

improvements in forecasting capabilities can be monitored and assessed. Eventually, a chain 

of coupled models will be available that will reliably and accurately simulate and predict space 

weather events in the Sun-Earth system. Technology development is critically important for 

the success of the program and, in light of recent budget decisions, opportunity exists for great 

advancements. In order to achieve this goal, the NSWP seeks to:

 Set priorities for research to meet operational and 

science needs.

 Conduct basic research to advance understanding of 

solar processes and how the Sun’s activity connects 

to and drives changes on the Earth and its near-space 

environs.

 Conduct applied research that addresses urgent 

needs to provide operational space weather services.

 Identify and assess existing gaps between the 

elements that need to be coupled together to create 

space weather models. 

 Develop and test models of the coupled Sun-Earth system that are accessible to the scientifi c 

user community, leading to useful physics-based models. 

 Quantify the variability and climatology of space weather parameters for use in research, 

engineering, and operational applications.

 Develop robust technology transition and data processing capabilities, including product test 

beds for scientifi c and technological advances and advanced data assimilation techniques to 

benefi t operations and provide for improved products and services. 

5

Figure 1: Space Environmental 

Modeling Regime (Source: Community 

Coordinated Modeling Center, NASA 

Goddard Space Flight Center)
Goal II:

Develop and sustain necessary observational capabilities. 

Model development, verifi cation, and maintenance 

require quality observations taken from space and 

on the ground. The reliability and accuracy of space 

weather models strongly depend on the quality of the 

data ingested. Continued improvement and development 

of space weather observing capabilities could result in 

better coverage, timeliness, and accuracy. Development 

of advanced technologies will improve the quality and 

affordability of new observing systems and optimize 

the path from research to operational use. The program 

should continually review the status of current and future 

space weather observing capabilities and plans to ensure 

consistency and effi ciency in the implementation and use 

of these resources. To achieve this goal, the NSWP seeks 

to:

 Review completed space weather observing plans and consolidate them into a single coherent 

strategy to ensure effi cient use of resources to meet observational requirements.

 

 Develop the necessary observational capabilities. 

 Sustain useful space weather observing capabilities and explore improved coverage, 

timeliness, and quality of the data sources that are both vital and urgent.

 Ensure that historical space weather datasets are preserved within a national data center and 

made readily available to all, including the scientifi c research and engineering communities.

Goal III:

Provide tailored and accurate space weather information 

where and when it’s needed.

Over the next 10 years, the NSWP will ensure 

processes are implemented to provide space 

weather data, analyses, and predictions with the 

accuracy, timeliness, and granularity required by 

the end user. To achieve this goal, the NSWP 

seeks to:

 Conduct periodic surveys of space weather 

data and product requirements needed by 

various user communities to help agencies 

determine resource priorities. 

6

Figure 2: The Advanced Technology 

Solar Telescope (ATST). (NSF National 

Solar Observatory project. Rendering 

by Tom Kekona, K. C. Environmental, 

Inc.)

Figure 3: Space Weather Prediction Center, 

Boulder, Colorado
 Improve and expand the space weather operational processing center capabilities, to include:

o Communications and data processing.

o Product generation and tailoring. 

o Product distribution and integration into user applications.

 Facilitate the transition of needed space weather information and prediction capabilities to 

the Nation’s space weather service providers.

Goal IV:

Raise national awareness of the impacts of space weather.

The space weather enterprise requires proactive 

education and outreach efforts in an effort 

to ensure effective knowledge transfer at all 

levels. The national educational pipeline, from 

elementary through graduate school, needs to 

be surveyed and improved in an effort to ensure 

that no shortages of critical science, technology, 

engineering, and mathematics skills exist or 

will occur in the future. A well-informed 

general public that understands space weather 

concepts and the importance of space weather 

in addressing critical national needs is equally 

important. This can be achieved by the effi cient 

use of far-reaching existing and emerging 

communications technologies.

Effective transfer of space weather knowledge 

will require a better understanding of the impacts of space weather on technology and on 

commercial and military customers, to include the associated economic and political impacts 

on the Nation’s civil and military assets. The future will see increasing use of simulations and 

mitigation exercises to ensure operators of systems and the general public are better prepared for 

space weather events. In order to achieve this goal, the NSWP seeks to:

 Encourage and improve educational programs in space weather for grades K-12 and for 

undergraduate and graduate academic institutions.

 Develop and maintain interactive and engaging web sites and explore the use of other 

emerging communications technologies, including Internet-based social networking and 

mobile phone applications. 

 Conduct independent assessments of impacts of space weather on customers, including the 

economic and political impacts on the Nation’s assets. 

 Develop models to quantitatively assess the economic impacts on technical systems, 

particularly the North American electric power distribution network.

7

Figure 4: Students Study Space Weather 

Phenomena (Source: Center for Integrated Space 

Weather Modeling)
 Develop and conduct regular mitigation exercises and social science analyses to study public 

behaviors and responses to space weather services.

Goal V:

Foster communications among government, commercial, 

and academic organizations.

NSWP agencies will work closely to set funding priorities across the member agencies in order 

to attain the greatest benefi t at the least cost to the government. All space weather activities 

can be improved and made more effective by expanding interagency dialogue and by enforcing 

process integrity and progress monitoring to ensure the highest quality program activities and 

products. The program will engage commercial and academic organizations interested in all 

aspects of space weather and establish a cooperative environment to encourage the development 

of new capabilities. This will include the improvement and expansion of technical exchange 

and user conferences, such as the annual 

Space Weather Workshop, the Space 

Weather Enterprise Forum, the American 

Meteorological Society Space Weather 

Symposia, the Institute of Navigation’s 

general and technical meetings, and the 

American Geophysical Union Convention. To 

achieve this goal, the NSWP seeks to:

 Provide input into national and 

international space weather policy and 

standards development.

 

 Build on disaster reduction efforts 

currently underway and expand 

engagement with government, civil, and 

public stakeholders. 

 Encourage partnering opportunities with a diversity of organizations and agencies involved in 

or affected by space weather, both nationally and internationally.

 Strengthen communications and coordination to ensure government, commercial, and 

academic organizations work together to facilitate cooperation and improve the effi ciency 

and effectiveness of the space weather enterprise. An effective communications strategy will 

be developed and sustained to improve the ability to convey information about space weather 

impacts to decision makers and to the public.

8

Figure 5: Diversity of Partners (Source: Adapted 

from NWS presentation at the 2009 Space Weather 

Enterprise Forum)
The National Space Weather Program 

Management Plan

The National Space Weather Program (NSWP) is a Federal interagency initiative established in 

1995 to improve our capability to make timely and reliable predictions of signifi cant disturbances 

in space weather and to provide this information in ways that are tailored to the specifi c needs 

of those who are potentially affected by them. The NSWP was conceived and structured as a 

partnership among government agencies, fostering a close working relationship with industry 

and academia to build on existing governmental and civil capabilities and to establish a 

collaborative process among these separate entities to recommend national priorities, coordinate 

agency efforts, and leverage national resources. It has also simultaneously encouraged and 

included contributions from the user community, operational forecasters, researchers, modelers, 

and experts in instruments, communications, and data processing and analysis – across the 

government, in research universities, and from industry.

Currently, eight Federal agencies and entities participate in the program. The Offi ce of the 

Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (OFCM) within 

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) administers the NSWP and 

its governing committees. The National Space Weather Program Council (NSWPC), which 

implements and manages the interagency program, is made up of senior representatives from 

each of the Federal agencies involved in space weather endeavors. They serve as the principal 

spokespersons on matters such as program scope, requirements, and resource commitments, 

which then shape individual agency policy and plans to focus on interagency efforts and 

resources. The NSWPC provides oversight to ensure common needs are met and the interests of 

each agency are addressed.

The operative arm of the NSWP is the Committee for Space Weather (CSW), made up of 

representatives from each of the agencies involved in the program. The CSW serves as the 

principal means for advancing the goals of the NSWP. An OFCM-appointed executive secretary, 

who serves both the NSWPC and the CSW, is the focal point for NSWP activities.

The OFCM also creates other committees, working groups, and joint action groups as needed 

for specifi c activities mandated by the NSWPC or CSW. For example, the Committee for Space 

Environmental Sensor Mitigation Options (CSESMO) was established by the NSWP in 2008 to 

assess and recommend options to provide continuity of space environmental sensing capabilities 

in low-Earth orbit and regarding the solar wind. The two reports produced by the CSESMO 

represent a signifi cant milestone in interagency cooperation in developing an overarching space 

weather sensing architecture. In addition to the CSESMO, the NSWP has established other ad 

hoc groups when necessary. 

The NSWP can be viewed as a hierarchy of activities starting with “Foundational Elements” 

which support “Service Providers”, and ultimately providing benefi ts to a wide variety of 

“Customers.” Basic and applied research support the four foundational elements of the NSWP 

as indicated in the fi gure below. The development of scientifi c understanding is essential to 

generate new assessment and forecasting capabilities. The ability to forecast space weather 

9
accurately is a measure of our scientifi c understanding. Observations in near real time provide 

the vital input for forecasting models, and they provide situational awareness. Archival data 

also provide a measure of truth for models, and they can also be used to correct them. Space 

environmental models and applications then provide useful tools for both operational forecasting 

and ongoing research and development. Education and outreach is critical to the ultimate 

success of the NSWP. It is necessary to educate researchers about forecaster and customer needs, 

and then forecasters about customer needs and the possibilities of emerging research, and, fi nally, 

customers and decision makers about space weather hazards and their mitigation. 

All elements of the NSWP provide support for optimal customer service through the interaction 

among customers, space weather forecasters, and space weather research and development 

activities. Communications between these elements, including feedback from forecasters and 

users, ensure effi cient fl ow of information and products from the research and development 

community to customers and end users. An effective technology transition process is essential to 

bringing to bear the fruits of research and development on space weather forecasting.

Program Accomplishments and Assessment 

Since 1995, major progress has been made in reaching the goals set out in the original NSWP 

Strategic Plan. The NSWP has also prompted a fundamental shift in awareness of space weather 

within the space science research community as well as in the general public. Some specifi c 

accomplishments are cited below. 

10

Figure 6: National Space Weather Program Elements
 NSWP initiated an interagency collaboration to establish the Community Coordinated 

Modeling Center (CCMC) in 1998 to support development of advanced space weather 

models for research and operations.

 

 NSWP has supported the annual Space Weather Workshop and Space Weather Enterprise 

Forum bringing together researchers, governmental policymakers, users, and private sector 

vendors.

 NSF, NASA, and DoD agencies have carried out dedicated programs supporting basic 

research aimed at promoting the NSWP goal of providing improved space weather products 

and services.

 NASA in 2001 embarked on the very 

expansive Living with a Star (LWS) program, 

which is providing essential space missions, data 

analysis, and modeling development relevant to 

space weather research.

 The international extension of LWS 

coordinates worldwide activities to advance 

understanding of the connected Sun-Earth 

System. 

 The DoD has supported three Multidisciplinary University Research Initiatives (MURI) 

that address important space weather 

modeling problems.

 NSF established the Center for Integrated 

Space Weather Modeling (CISM), a 

multi-institution collaboration dedicated 

to creating physics-based space 

environmental models.

 The Air Force Space Weather Center 

of Excellence (CoE) was established 

to develop technologies for specifying, 

forecasting, and mitigating the effects of 

the space environment on DoD systems.

 NASA developed a Space Weather 

Laboratory at Goddard Space Flight 

Center to provide a focus for spacebased, ground-based, theoretical, and 

modeling studies of space weather 

driving factors.

Figure 7: The fi rst Living with a Star mission,

Solar Dynamics Observatory, launched in 2010. 

(Source: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

11

Figure 8: Since 2003, the American Geophysical 

Union has published online, “Space Weather: The 

International Journal of Research and Applications.” 

(Source: AGU)
 In 2006, the American Meteorological Society convened a policy workshop to develop 

recommendations regarding space weather impacts to increase the safety, reliability, and 

effi ciency of aviation operations. 

 NASA along with other NSWP organizations supported International Heliophysical Year 

(2008-2009) programs that have raised space weather awareness within the United Nations 

scientifi c activities.

 NSWP, in 2008, conducted an impact study on the potential loss of solar wind monitoring 

capability and degraded space environmental sensing capability planned for the National 

Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS).

 The NSWP provided an interagency-approved recommendation for the continuity of solar 

wind measurements and an in-depth assessment of mitigation options regarding the loss of 

planned NPOESS space environmental sensing capability.

 NASA has included real-time radio beacons on a variety of spacecraft and continues to 

support long duration missions to provide timely space environmental data for use in the 

operational space weather centers.

 

 USGS has undertaken signifi cant upgrades of its magnetic observatory network, including 

establishing a new observatory in the Aleutian Islands, improving data transmission links 

so that they support real-time data transportation and dissemination, and increasing datasampling rates from 1-minute to 1-second.

 NASA developed a cutting-edge space weather app for the iPhone and iPod Touch called 

“3D Sun,” a space weather monitoring system for the public. More than 70,000 people in 81 

countries downloaded it within six months of its deployment in December 2009. 

 DOC/NOAA has continued its program of geostationary space weather measurements with 

the launches of the GOES O and P satellites in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The GOES 

R program is in development and will carry signifi cant improvements on all of its space 

weather sensors.

In 2005, the OFCM convened a high-level panel to assess the status of the NSWP and make 

recommendations. The panel included six researchers with meteorological, space physics, 

space weather, engineering, and policy backgrounds. The extensive review was conducted 

over the course of nearly a year and involved site visits to space weather operations centers and 

interviews with other space weather stakeholders. The panel concluded that the NSWP resulted 

in a number of noteworthy achievements, most of which likely would not have been attained 

without the program’s existence. Furthermore, the existence of the NSWP has brought about 

a monumental shift in awareness of space weather within both the space science community 

and the general public. The panel concluded that “the continuation of the NSWP is strongly 

warranted because of the enormous potential to enhance the Nation’s space weather mission 

over the next 10 years through improved operational capabilities, which will capitalize on the 

transition of innovative research.” 

12
The report from the assessment panel contains detailed fi ndings and recommendations that cover 

research, models, transition to operations, operations, and program management. The program 

goals and objectives described in the previous section were formulated to address the panel’s key 

recommendations:

1. Establish centralized program management and national funding prioritization.

 Establish a focal point for the program within the Executive Offi ce of the President’s 

Offi ce of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Offi ce of Management and 

Budget (OMB).

2. Ensure continuity of critical data sources needed for space weather forecasts and operations.

 Develop and execute a strategy to preserve the continuity of solar wind and other key 

space weather measurements. 

 Maintain critical ground-based assets such as USGS magnetic observatories.

3. Strengthen the science-to-user chain.

 Maintain and strengthen both targeted and strategic space weather research.

 Enhance emphasis and resources for transition of models to operational users.

 Increase the role of the private sector in supplying products and services.

4. Emphasize public and user awareness of space weather for critical national needs.

 Quantify the national benefi ts that arise from the NSWP.

 Enhance academic education programs for new space weather professionals.

Input from the Space Weather Community 

The NSWP has established a number of formal and informal mechanisms to ensure community 

involvement in the program and coordination among participating stakeholders.

The annual Space Weather Workshop (SWW) and Space Weather Enterprise Forum (SWEF) 

have been extremely successful venues for bringing Federal, industry, academic, and 

international stakeholders from the space weather operational, research, and user communities 

together to advance the state of national and international space weather support and services. 

They also have been very successful in addressing the needs of the public and addressing the 

societal and economic effects of space weather. Input from the SWW and SWEF have been 

incorporated in this strategic plan and will drive recommendations in the implementation plan.

The American Geophysical Union established the International Journal of Space Weather to 

provide a forum for the international space weather community to report new results, share 

experiences, and educate the general public. Participating Federal agencies have sponsored 

several high-profi le workshops to discuss policy issues and space weather impacts on 

various technologies, including aviation, electric power, satellite operations, navigation, and 

communications. Also, a number of studies have been conducted on impact assessments, 

technical risks, and economic loss stemming from space weather events. 

13
Recently, the American Meteorological Society adopted a Policy Statement on Space Weather 

and created a committee within its Scientifi c and Technological Activities Commission, 

in recognition of the increasing infl uence space weather has on our society. The Society 

promotes improved modeling and stronger ties between research and operations, continuity of 

observations, and coordinated government, industry, and academia research on impacts and costbenefi t analyses.

Finally, the World Meteorological Organization has initiated dialogue on space weather data and 

products to better coordinate international efforts in this area.

Summary 

As we approach the next peak of solar activity, our Nation faces many uncertainties resulting 

from increased reliance on space weather-affected technologies for communications, navigation, 

security, fl ight safety in the atmosphere and space, and other activities, many of which underpin 

our national infrastructure and economy. We also face increased exposure to potential space 

weather-driven human health risks as transpolar fl ights and human spacefl ight activities increase. 

The NSWP will continue to play a vital role in guiding our national effort among the Federal 

agencies, the private sector, and academia to foster substantial improvements in our national 

space weather enterprise. This strategic plan will lead to advances to help us understand the 

natural processes that produce space weather and its effects. It will encourage support to 

develop capacity to provide accurate space weather information, tailored to need, where and 

when it is needed. The plan will guide efforts that will enhance awareness of the Nation’s space 

weather enterprise and space weather’s effects and challenges. It will foster the education and 

development of a new generation of space weather engineers and scientists. Finally, it will help 

encourage Federal agency information exchange and will support national and international 

space weather policy and standards development. 

14
APPENDIX A

Space Weather Impacts on Society

The following sections provide additional details on the space weather impacts on advanced 

technologies and other activities that are so critical to the normal conduct of our daily lives. 

A. Satellite Systems. Space weather affects satellite missions in a variety of ways, 

depending on the orbit and satellite function. Our society depends on satellites for weather 

information, communications, navigation, exploration, search and rescue, research, national 

defense, space travel, and routine business transactions, involving automated teller machines 

and charge card purchases. The impact of satellite system failures is more far reaching than ever 

before, and the trend will almost certainly continue.

Energetic particles that originate from the Sun, from interplanetary space, and from the Earth’s 

magnetosphere continually impact the surfaces of spacecraft. Highly energetic ions penetrate 

electronic components, causing bit-fl ips in a chain of electronic signals that can result in 

spurious commands within the spacecraft or erroneous data from an instrument. These spurious 

commands have caused major satellite system failures that might have been avoided if ground 

controllers had had advance notice of impending particle hazards. Less energetic particles 

contribute to a variety of spacecraft surface charging problems, especially during periods of high 

geomagnetic activity. In addition, energetic electrons responsible for deep dielectric charging can 

degrade the useful lifetime of internal components.

Highly variable solar ultraviolet radiation continuously modifi es terrestrial atmospheric density 

and temperature, affecting spacecraft orbits and lifetimes. Increased far ultraviolet radiation 

heats and expands the atmosphere, causing signifi cant perturbations in low-altitude satellite 

trajectories. At times, these effects have 

been severe enough to cause premature 

re-entry of orbiting assets. It is important 

that satellite controllers be warned of these 

changes and that accurate models are in 

place to realistically account for the resulting 

atmospheric effects. The main problems due 

to drag effects are related to attitude control, 

orbit decay, and tracking of space debris. 

The existing and future spacecraft are also 

vulnerable to changes in atmospheric drag; 

re-entry calculations for such vehicles are 

highly sensitive to atmospheric density, and errors can threaten the safety of the vehicles and 

their crews. 

The solar proton fl ux associated with intense solar activity can be strong enough to affect the 

sensitive guidance systems on launch vehicles and could cause damage to payloads. Because of 

the sensitivity and critical timing of most launch activities, space weather is a consideration in 

15

Japan launched Nozomi (1998)--its 

representative in an international fl eet of 

Mars probes. A strong burst of solar energy 

(April 2002) knocked out the communications 

and electrical systems, ultimately altering 

its trajectory. The ¥11 billion ($88 million) 

satellite will remain in a highly elliptical 

orbit around Mars but will not complete its 

mission.
pre-launch scheduling and preparations. The enormous cost of launches and payloads demands 

that an accurate assessment be made at the time of launch.

B. Power Systems. Modern electric power grids are extremely complex, extensive, and 

interrelated. The long power lines that link users throughout the Nation are susceptible to electric 

currents induced by the dramatic changes in high-altitude ionospheric currents that occur during 

geomagnetic storms. Surges in power lines from induced currents can cause massive network 

failures and permanent damage to transformers and to multimillion-dollar equipment in powergeneration plants. The resulting social and economic impacts and the threat to well-being and 

safety during widespread power outages can far outweigh the costs of prevention and mitigation 

through modifi cations in electric power grids and other steps.

Present electric power distribution systems have acquired a much increased susceptibility to 

geomagnetically induced currents due to widespread grid interconnections, complex electronic 

controls and technologies, and large inter-area power transfers. The phenomenon occurs globally 

and simultaneously, and industry operations allow for little redundancy or operating margin to 

absorb the effects. Mitigation of such effects is quite possible, provided that advance notice is 

given of an impending storm and specifi c strategies to minimize disruption and damage exist 

within the power industry. An equally important economic issue from the industrial standpoint is 

that of preventing or minimizing costly false alarms.

16

Figure 9: Simulation of ground induced current fl ows and possible power system collapse for the 

U.S. electric power grid due to an extreme geomagnetic super-storm disturbance scenario. (Source: 

Kappenman, J., W.Radasky, Too Important to Fail, Space Weather, 3, 2005.)
Future so-called ‘smart’ grids may have greater susceptibilities to space weather impacts 

both because of the greater separation between wind and solar power generation sites and 

metropolitan centers and because of the sophisticated electronic command and control and power 

systems they will support.

C. Navigation. Most modern navigation systems depend upon satellites such as the 

Global Positioning System (GPS). A GPS receiver uses radio signals from several orbiting 

satellites to determine the range from each satellite and from these it determines its own precise 

geographic location. The radio signals must pass through the ionosphere and signifi cant errors 

in positioning can result when the signals are refracted and slowed by ionospheric conditions 

or intentional interference techniques. Use of advanced receiver technology, such as dualfrequency receivers, can eliminate some of the uncertainty. Ionospheric delay corrections for 

a region can be determined from a network of precisely positioned dual-frequency receivers, 

and then transmitted in near-real-time to users of single frequency GPS receivers in the region. 

This is the principle behind the U.S. Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) that is being 

developed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation 

(DOT) for use in precision fl ight approaches. However, rapidly varying structures in the

ionosphere associated with sharp density gradients can have time scales faster than the WAAS 

message repetition rate of six minutes. This can lead to loss of availability for many hours, 

during extreme geomagnetic storm events—a problem that defi nes one of the greatest challenges 

for the WAAS program.

 

D. Communications. Communications at all frequencies are affected by space weather. 

High frequency (HF) radio communications 

are more routinely affected because this 

frequency band depends on refl ection 

by the ionosphere to carry signals great 

distances. Ionospheric irregularities 

contribute to signal fading; highly disturbed 

conditions, usually near the aurora and 

across the polar cap, can absorb the signal 

completely and make HF radio propagation 

impossible. Accurate forecasts of these 

effects can give operators more time to fi nd 

an alternative means of communication. 

Telecommunications companies 

increasingly depend on higher frequency 

radio waves that penetrate the ionosphere and are relayed via satellite to other locations. Signal 

properties can be altered by ionospheric conditions so that they can no longer be received at 

the Earth’s surface. This may cause degradation of signals, but, more importantly, can prohibit 

critical communications, such as those used in search and rescue efforts, military operations, and 

other critical computer-linked networks.

17

In May 1998, communications were lost with a 

geostationary satellite. This affected 90 percent 

of the pager and cell networks in the U.S., and 

also television, cable sources and numerous 

private networks (such as credit card transfers). 

Recovery involved moving spacecraft and 

using backup capabilities as available. At the 

time, the space environment had been disturbed 

for two weeks. Similar disruptions of the 

ionosphere have been associated with failures of 

spaceborne equipment in the past. 
E. Aviation. Space 

weather impacts on aviation 

have long been recognized as a 

problem in military missions, 

especially high-altitude 

reconnaissance missions and 

fl ights over polar regions. 

Recent years have seen an 

immense growth in civil 

aviation. With commercial 

airliners fl ying higher and 

longer, the aviation industry 

has started to pay attention to 

space weather conditions that 

might affect equipment, crews, 

and passengers. The rapidly 

increasing number of fl ights 

between North America and 

the Far East that follow routes 

across the northern polar cap 

are cause for particular concern. Changes in the ionosphere caused by space weather can disrupt 

high frequency radio communications and disrupt or reduce the accuracy of satellite navigation 

systems. In addition, intense solar fl ares produce increased levels of high-energy particle 

radiation that add to the enhanced exposure to galactic cosmic rays already present at higher 

altitudes and latitudes. In common with the response to severe terrestrial weather, fl ights have 

been delayed or rerouted because of concerns over space weather, which can incur signifi cant 

expenses for the airlines as well as potential health hazards for passengers and crews.

F. Human Space Exploration. 

Energetic particles present a health hazard 

to astronauts on space missions as well as 

threats to satellite systems. The atmosphere 

protects us from these particles since it 

ultimately absorbs all but the most energetic 

cosmic ray particles. During space missions, 

astronauts performing extravehicular 

activities are relatively unprotected. The 

fl uxes of energetic particles can increase to 

dangerous levels (by factors of hundreds) 

following an intense solar fl are or during a 

large geomagnetic storm. Timely warnings 

are essential to give astronauts suffi cient 

time to return to their spacecraft prior to the 

storm’s arrival. Even during intravehicular activities, crew members are exposed to radiation 

18

Figure 10: In 2009, United Airlines operated 1411 of the total 8527 

polar fl ights, utilizing the four existing polar routes over Russia. 

(Source: United Airlines, Mike Stills)

In 2001, during the inaugural launch of 

an Athena rocket with four payloads from 

Kodiak, Alaska, an intense solar fl are with 

a strong proton storm caused numerous 

problems. The launch was ultimately 

delayed 72 hours. Nearby communications 

and HF radio were hampered for this 

entire time. The payload might have 

been damaged and the guidance system 

knocked out if the launch had proceeded as 

scheduled. A $3 million booster and foursatellite payload were saved.
levels well above any terrestrial occupation. Periods of increased solar activity only heighten the 

exposure. Adequate prediction of such events allows crew members to move to locations within 

their spacecraft that are more adequately shielded.

The same applies even more so to potential human excursions on wholly unprotected surfaces 

such as that of the Moon. Without appropriate countermeasures, an increase in cancer risk is 

most severe for fl ights that leave the protection of the Earth’s magnetosphere. This is particularly 

the case for longer duration human fl ights such as those to near-Earth objects or Mars, because of 

the long-term accumulated dose from penetrating galactic cosmic rays. 

G. Surveying. Magnetic disturbances associated with geomagnetic storms directly affect 

operations that use the Earth’s magnetic fi eld for guidance, such as magnetic surveys, directional 

drilling, or the use of magnetic compasses. Aeromagnetic surveys are an effi cient but costly 

method of geophysical prospecting for minerals. These surveys can be seriously compromised if 

sudden disruptions of the Earth’s magnetic fi eld occur during the fl ights and are not suffi ciently 

accounted for. Situational awareness and knowledge of space weather conditions is thus a 

requisite in cost-effective geophysical surveying.

Directional, often horizontal, drilling is a 

technique employed by the oil and gas industry 

to extract the maximum amount from oil fi eld 

reserves by drilling outward in many directions 

from a vertical rig. Magnetic fi eld guidance 

is a cost-effective navigation technique for 

this but is prone to large inaccuracies during 

magnetic storms. Directional drilling requires 

a directional accuracy of 0.1 degree over a 

typical horizontal traverse of 5 to 10 km. The 

orientation of the Earth’s fi eld at a North 

Sea location may change up to 0.2 degree 

daily. During a magnetic storm, deviations are often on the order of several degrees. Accurate 

position information translates into helpful geological information to guide drilling exploration 

in the deep ocean. Over vast areas of the ocean, precise positioning enables accurate altimeter 

measurements for ocean surveying ships to pinpoint desired drilling locations, which results in 

major reductions in time-on-station operational costs and enhanced success in the discovery of 

oil reserves.

H. Mitigation Strategies. Design engineers make use of information on space climate 

to specify the extent and types of protective measures that need to be designed into a system and 

to develop operating plans to minimize deleterious space weather effects. They also make use of 

space environment information, after the fact, to determine the sources of equipment failures and 

to develop corrective actions. 

19

Figure 11: GPS precision 

surveying. (Source: http://www.gps.gov)
Table 1. Response Options to Mitigate Space Weather Impacts

Satellites  Turn off sensitive spacecraft subsystems. 

 Avoid satellite maneuvers during adverse space weather conditions.

 Increase monitoring of satellite operations for anomalies.

 Adjust calculations of low-Earth orbits to account for increased drag. 

 Reschedule launch activities to prevent damage or loss.

Electric power  Prepare to reduce system load.

 Disconnect system components.

 Plan and schedule power station maintenance effi ciently.

Navigation  Prepare for use of backup systems.

 Safely plan and schedule precision-sensitive maneuvers.

Communications  Seek alternate frequencies.

 Alter ray paths or relay to undisturbed regions to avoid scintillation 

effects.

 Prepare for use of alternate means of communication.

Aviation  Reroute polar fl ights with minimal impact.

 Prepare for Wide Area Augmentation System degradation.

Humans in space  Increase specifi c protection against radiation exposure.

 Plan and schedule extravehicular activities and launches effi ciently.

 Delay or postpone space tourism launches or activities to reduce 

radiation exposure. 

Surveying  Plan and schedule high-resolution geological surveying and 

exploration effi ciently.

 Plan and schedule high-resolution magnetic surveying effi ciently.

I. Space Weather in a Broader Context. Space 

weather research, observations, and technology development 

have broader application to other disciplines important to modern 

civilization. For example, the knowledge gained in studying solar 

processes can be applied to research on solar variability on longtime scales and its association with climate change. The Sun is 

the dominant forcing factor responsible for the Earth’s climate, 

and variations in total solar irradiance may be causally linked to 

changes in regional environmental conditions. Although the NSWP 

concentrates on explosive space weather variations (i.e. solar fl ares 

and coronal mass ejections) that can have an immediate effect on 

terrestrial systems and space travelers, the understanding of solar 

dynamo processes resulting from space weather research can also 

contribute to studies of more long-term variations in solar radiation.

Similarly, mitigating hazards to spacecraft resulting from orbital debris is becoming increasingly 

more challenging as the number of space objects continues to grow exponentially. The ability to 

avoid collision with debris requires accurate tracking of objects under the infl uence of constantly 

changing atmospheric densities. Space weather research allows for more accurate specifi cation 

and forecasting of atmospheric density and better predictions of orbits.

20

Figure 12. Orbit Debris 

Simulation (Source: NASA 

Johnson Space Center)
While the approach of Near-Earth Objects (NEO) cannot be 

avoided, space weather observational assets include spacebased and ground-based instruments capable of detecting 

and tracking objects that may potentially impact the Earth. 

To meet space weather objectives, these observational 

capabilities undergo continuous improvement in sensitivity 

and coverage, thereby increasing the probability of early 

detection of approaching objects and the accuracy of 

subsequent tracking of those objects. An example is the 

Large Angle and Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) 

instrument on the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory 

(SOHO) that, in the process of continuously observing 

the Sun, has also observed many previously undiscovered 

comets. These data can be used for orbit determination and 

potential threat identifi cation.

Another important technology area is plasma science, 

which aims to study the behavior of ionized gases. 

Because the entire space weather system is dominated 

by magnetized plasma, space weather research will 

advance understanding of basic plasma processes—

knowledge that can be applied to the development 

of new technologies. These include industrial and 

medical devices, lighting and laser equipment, fusion 

and energy production, and many others.

New propulsion and power technologies are needed 

to enable further planetary and heliospheric missions. 

An important part of any space mission is the ability 

to loft a spacecraft into space and propel it to its 

intended orbit or destination. Solar sails have long 

been envisioned as a simple, inexpensive means of 

propulsion that could provide access to and maintenance of unstable orbits that would otherwise 

require large, expensive propulsion systems. The potential of solar sails is being explored for a 

number of missions and has, in fact, been tested in space. The National Research Council 2003 

Decadal Survey on Solar and Space Physics strongly recommended continued research and 

development of this technology. 

21

Figure 13. Comet NEAT passed 

through SOHO’s C3 coronagraph 

fi eld of view. (Source: NASA 

Goddard Space Flight Center)

Figure 14. Artist’s concept of a solar 

sail-powered spacecraft. (Source: NRC 

Decadal Survey, courtesy of NASA 

Marshall Space Flight Center.)
APPENDIX B

Member Agencies Roles and Missions

Department of Commerce (DOC). Within DOC, NOAA has the mission of describing 

and predicting the space environment. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has 

a dedicated operational forecast center that serves as the national and world warning center for 

disturbances that can affect people and equipment working in the space environment. NOAA 

maintains unique space weather expertise to assist in the design of new systems and to reduce 

effects on existing systems. The agency also collects, provides, and archives space environment 

data from its polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites, from other agencies, and through 

international data exchange. Research and development is directed toward understanding 

processes and interactions as energy leaves the Sun, propagates through the interplanetary 

medium, and arrives at the Earth’s atmosphere.

Department of Defense (DoD). The Air Force provides operational space weather support 

to warfi ghters, coalition partners, civilian partner agencies, and classifi ed national-level users. 

This support includes remotely sensed data from ground- and space-based platforms /systems, 

operational space weather model output, and mission-tailored products. Examples of tailored 

support includes a variety of alerts and warnings for signifi cant space weather phenomena 

that will impact DoD operations, the hourly analysis of the Earth’s geomagnetic fi eld, and 

specifi cation and forecasts of the ionosphere directly supporting high frequency (HF) radio 

and satellite communications. The Air Force Research Laboratory and the Naval Research 

Laboratory work with each other, a variety of other governmental agencies, and academia to 

develop operational space weather models, ground- and space-based sensors, and system impact 

applications. 

Department of the Interior (DOI). The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological 

Survey’s Geomagnetism Program provides high-quality, ground-based magnetometer data 

continuously from 13 observatories distributed across the United States and its territories. 

The program collects, transports, and can disseminate these data in near real time, and it 

also has signifi cant data processing and data management capacities. Working through the 

INTERMAGNET organization, and with other national geomagnetism programs, the USGS 

Geomagnetism Program assists in the coordinated, global-scale monitoring of the Earth’s 

magnetic fi eld. The Geomagnetism Program also supports research on magnetic fi eld activity, 

magnetic storms, and magnetic climatology, and it is currently developing a real-time storm-time 

disturbance (Dst) service.

Department of Energy (DOE). The core space weather program within DOE and its 

national laboratories supports research, applications, and operations in the satellite-based 

detection of nuclear explosions. The program develops and supplies the Air Force and 

other agencies with instruments that are fl own on the Global Positioning System and other 

geosynchronous platforms to measure local plasma and particle distributions and remote 

ionospheric electron content, all in near real time. Related efforts also provide the databases, 

assimilative models, and scientifi c support to the broader community, including research on 

possible impacts on electricity delivery and reliability. 

22
Department of Transportation (DOT). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has 

the responsibility to provide the operational requirements for space weather services in support 

of aviation and for coordination of these requirements with the International Civil Aviation 

Organization. The increasing number of polar fl ights by commercial airliners and the emerging 

commercial space transportation sector have elevated the importance of space weather products 

and integration of the data into the National Airspace System (NAS). As a result, the FAA is 

formulating space weather requirements for the NAS by 2013, and plans to integrate space 

weather data and products into the Next Generation Air Transportation System by 2016.

Department of State (DOS). The Offi ce of Space and Advanced Technology (OES/SAT) 

ensures that U.S. space policies and multilateral science activities support U.S. foreign policy 

objectives and enhance U.S. space and technological competitiveness. OES/SAT has primary 

responsibility for U.S. representation to the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Peaceful 

Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPOUS), where a wide range of space policy issues are discussed. 

The offi ce also leads interagency coordination on all civil space-related international agreements 

implementing important NASA, NOAA, and USGS cooperation with other space agency 

partners, and plays a key role in the implementation of National Space Policy focused on dualuse space applications such as space-based positioning, navigation, and timing, satellite-based 

remote sensing and Earth observation, and space weather monitoring. 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The Heliophysics 

Division of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate is tasked to fulfi ll the science strategy laid 

out by the National Research Council’s Decadal Survey. It advances our understanding of 

events and conditions in space; develops and uses new technologies; develops and maintains 

data that determine the nature of space weather conditions and provide insight into physical 

understanding; and generally observes and interprets the variable heliophysics system. The 

NASA Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD) is responsible for all human space 

operations in Low-Earth Orbit and beyond. SOMD provides the agency with all oversight 

for safe and effective operation of human exploration, including launch services, space 

transportation, and space communications in support of both human and robotic exploration. 

The NASA Offi ce of the Chief Engineer is responsible for developing agency standards for 

environmental impacts on spacecraft systems and subsystems and addresses space weather issues 

across NASA. 

National Science Foundation (NSF). NSF is responsible for maintaining the health of 

basic research in all areas of the atmospheric sciences. The Foundation supports theoretical, 

observational, and numerical modeling research with the goals of increasing fundamental 

understanding of space environment processes and improving space weather predictive 

capability. Research areas of emphasis are: (1) solar region evolution and eruptive events; (2) 

interplanetary transport; (3) magnetospheric physics and dynamics; (4) ionospheric physics and 

dynamics; and (5) upper atmospheric physics and dynamics. Knowledge of the processes that are 

fundamental to each of these areas is enhanced by a multi-disciplinary approach to investigating 

the basic mechanisms through which these areas interact.

23
APPENDIX C

Bibliography

Eddy, John A. The Sun, The Earth, and Near-Earth Space: A Guide to the Sun-Earth System, National Aeronautics 

and Space Administration (NASA), U.S. Government Printing Offi ce, 2009, Washington D.C.

Grand Challenges for Disaster Reduction: Space Weather Implementation Plan, National Science and Technology 

Council Subcommittee on Disaster Reduction (SDR), 2010. Available at: http://www.sdr.gov/

Heliophysics: The Solar and Space Physics of a New Era, Report to the NASA Advisory Council Heliophysics 

Subcommittee, NASA Heliophysics Roadmap Team, 2009.

Impacts of NPOESS Nunn-McCurdy Certifi cation and Potential Loss of ACE Spacecraft Solar Wind Data on 

National Space Environmental Monitoring Capabilities, Offi ce of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological 

Services and Supporting Research, 2008. (For Offi cial Use Only)

Integrating Space Weather Observations and Forecasts into Aviation Operations, American Meteorological Society 

& SolarMetrics Policy Workshop Report, 2007. Available at: http://www.ametsoc.org/atmospolicy/documents/

space%20weather%20&%20aviation%20report.pdf

The National Space Weather Program: The Implementation Plan 2nd Edition, FCM-P31-2000, Offi ce of the Federal 

Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, 2000. Available at: http://www.ofcm.noaa.

gov/nswp-ip/tableofcontents.htm.

The National Space Weather Program: The Strategic Plan, FCM-P30-1995, Offi ce of the Federal Coordinator for 

Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, 1995. Available at: http://www.ofcm.gov/nswp-sp/text/acover.htm

A Policy Statement of the American Meteorological Society (Adopted by AMS Council on 5 May 2008). Available at 

http://www.ametsoc.org/policy/2008spaceweather_amsstatement.html

Report of the Assessment Committee for the National Space Weather Program, FCM-R24-2006, Offi ce of the 

Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, 2006. Available at http://www.ofcm.

gov/r24/fcm-r24.htm.

Severe Space Weather Events – Understanding Societal and Economic Impacts Workshop Report, Committee on 

the Societal and Economic Impacts of Severe Space Weather Events, National Research Council, The National 

Academies Press, Washington D.C., 2008.

Space Weather Primer, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Space Weather Prediction 

Center, 2006. Available at: http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/primer/primer.html

Summary Report on NPOESS Space Environmental Sensor Mitigation Options and Recommendations, Offi ce of the 

Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, 2009. (For Offi cial Use Only)

Summary Report on Solar Wind Monitoring Continuity Options and Recommendations, Offi ce of the Federal 

Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, 2009. (For Offi cial Use Only)

The Sun to the Earth – and Beyond: A Decadal Research Strategy in Solar and Space Physics, Solar and Space 

Physics Survey Committee, Committee on Solar and Space Physics, Space Studies Board, Division on 

Engineering and Physical Sciences, National Research Council, The National Academies Press, Washington, 

D.C., 2003.

24

Offi ce of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services 

and Supporting Research

8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1500

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Telephone: (301) 427-2002

Web: www.ofcm.gov

First Light, Solar Dynamics Observatory. Credit: NASA