Solar Weather Forecasting Mission

In STORM, satellite constellation operation in interplanetary space shall be demonstrated, preferably in a fixed position with reference to Earth, at the example of extending current solar storm warning capabilities by significant factors. Solar storms comprise electrically charged particles typically generated by Coronal Mass Ejections from the sun. Consequences on Earth can be devastating, as all vital systems depending on electricity (GPS, radar, traffic management and financial systems), may be impaired. Even worse damages can be caused in space, leading to complete system failure. The proposed Solar weather forecasting mission (STORM) is intended to extend current warning time of 30-60 minutes by factor up to 5 which will enable authorities to prevent severe damage, e.g., by powering down critical systems.STORM will place a constellation of multiple sensing spacecraft at various positions closer to the sun well beyond L1. The geometric distribution of the SensSats (e.g., a V-shape as proposed in earlier work) will allow for accurate prediction of the time, strength, velocity, and extent of the solar storm. Solar sails are envisioned as a propulsion system to hold the position of the constellation satellites without using propellant mass, and high-efficiency electric propulsion shall be used to carry the small constellation satellites to their final positions. Multiple challenges of optimizing the propulsion system performance clearly beyond current capacities, complex orbit mechanics, communication over long distances in satellites as small as possible to minimize the requirements for the propulsions system, and autonomous operation of the carrier spacecraft will have to be overcome.The proposed work will yield an optimized mission design in terms of number and position of sensing spacecraft and a technology roadmap with clear assessment of technology maturation needed to conduct the final mission.