AI Insight
NASA has selected a mission concept focused on studying how space weather and atmospheric dynamics affect the near-Earth space environment. The mission aims to improve predictive capabilities for space weather events that can impact critical technologies and systems. Research will concentrate on understanding the interactions between Earth's atmosphere and space conditions that affect GPS systems, low Earth orbit satellites, and astronaut safety.
Why it matters
Better prediction of space weather impacts could protect essential infrastructure including GPS navigation systems and communication satellites that billions of people rely on daily. Improved forecasting would also enhance safety protocols for astronauts working in space and help satellite operators mitigate potential damage from space weather events.
NASA selected a mission concept to research how space weather and dynamics within Earth’s atmosphere influence the space environment and help improve prediction capabilities for impacts on crucial technology, such as GPS and low Earth orbit satellites, as well as astronauts in space.
Source: NASA mission to study space weather impacts of Earth's atmosphere