Satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) can deviate from their expected trajectories when bad space weather occurs, causing problems for the International Space Station, China's Tiangong space station, and Earth-observing satellites. The accuracy of these satellites is affected by space weather, with the lower altitudes experiencing a bigger problem due to the variations in Earth's upper atmosphere density. Higher density leads to more drag, slowing down the satellites and causing them to sink towards Earth.
Satellites in low Earth orbit can venture hundreds of miles off their expected trajectories when bad space weather hits. The problem affects the International Space Station , China's Tiangong space station and many Earth-observing satellites that need a close view of our planet.with the accuracy of 2 centimeters ," Alex Saltman, CEO of California-based satellite company GeoOptics, which makes meteorological measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere, told Space.com.
When satellites run out of the fuel that helps them maintain their altitude, they begin to spiral downward. On their way, they pass through this region of higher uncertainty, posing a threat to operational spacecraft. Trajectories of satellites and pieces of space debris are determined many days in advance, using measurements by ground-based radars and optical sensors. But a strong burst of solar wind from the sun can throw these predictions completely off.
"If you have a warning that's out an hour in advance, that's probably not sufficient to get the command and control to get the maneuver planned," said Vallado.and CMEs that arise from the star varies on longer time scales following a roughly 11-year cycle that swings from a minimum through a maximum to the next minimum.
Saltman added that GeoOptics has lost one operational satellite due to space weather. Drag was not the culprit in that case; increased radiation levels caused by the solar wind damaged the satellite's electronics.
Satellites Low Earth Orbit Space Weather International Space Station Tiangong Earth-Observing Satellites Accuracy Density Drag
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