Integrating Space Weather Observations and Forecasts into Aviation Operations

As cross-polar traffic increases, the aviation industry is becoming more aware of the impacts space weather can have on operations. (Space weather refers to the conditions on the Sun and in the solar wind, magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere that can influence the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based technological systems and can endanger human life or health.) The industry is primarily concerned about risks during high-latitude (>50DGN) and polar operations (>78DGN) since impacts of space weather can be greatest in these regions. Effects include disruption in High Frequency (HF) communications, satellite navigation system errors, and radiation hazards to humans and avionics. These concerns not only apply to current operations, but become even more important at all latitudes when considered within the framework for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen is an interagency initiative to transform the U.S. air transportation system by 2025). Additionally, with the potential space tourism and intercontinental space flight markets, these risks are equally important to the commercial space transportation industry.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Meteorological Society

  45 Beacon Street
  Boston, MA  United States  02108

  Federal Aviation Administration

  800 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20591

  National Science Foundation

  4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 505
  Arlington, VA  United States  22230
• Publication Date: 2007-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Pagination: 58p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air traffic control; Air transportation; Aircraft pilotage; Aviation; Aviation safety; Commercial space transportation; Communication systems; Navigation systems; Weather forecasting; Weather radar
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Operations and Traffic Management; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01135277
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 21 2009 8:11AM