This milestone launch will kick off an ambitious satellite constellation aimed at delivering real-time, high-resolution data on space weather phenomena, ultimately enhancing the accuracy of localized forecasting.
Space weather, though often overlooked, poses a significant threat to the technology that powers our daily lives – impacting everything from satellites and GPS systems to power grids and financial networks. Severe geomagnetic storms, in particular, have the potential to wreak havoc on a global scale, with estimated economic losses reaching as high as $42 billion per day.
At the heart of this mission is ’s proprietary sensor, Zohar, developed in-house and designed to be a game-changer in the field. The Zohar sensor integrates a spectrometer and a Cherenkov detector, capable of performing up to 1,000 measurements per second. This cutting-edge technology will collect critical data on charged particles, geomagnetic conditions, and other space weather variables.
The upcoming launch represents the first of 24 planned payloads in the Mission Space constellation, which is expected to be fully deployed by 2027. Once operational, this network will revolutionize space storm forecasting by leveraging machine learning and the continuous stream of data from its own constellation. Mission Space offers localised tailored made mitigation insights for the industry up to 96 hours in advance, helping them safeguard against the potentially catastrophic effects of space weather.
DPhi Space, a key partner in this venture, is responsible for integrating the payload and launching it into orbit. This collaboration will enable space and ground-based enterprises to assess threats more effectively and minimise the impact of space storms. For instance, passengers and crew members on flights will be better protected from radiation, as airlines will be able to plan safer routes, avoiding hazardous areas. Additionally, the public will experience fewer disruptions to communications and electronics, ensuring that our daily lives remain stable and secure from space-related threats.
Mission Space is rewriting the playbook on space weather forecasting, delivering real-time insights that keep both space and Earth-based assets secure. By merging public data streams with its own high-tech satellites and pushing the limits with advanced ML and scientific modelling, they’re producing forecasts that are unmatched in accuracy. These insights give mission managers the confidence to make bold, strategic decisions, drastically elevating the safety and resilience of space missions.
Recently Mission Space has been announced as TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 finalist – one of the top 200 startups to exhibit in San Francisco.