Consequences of major Space Weather hazards on Humans daily life
- Paper number
IAC-06-B1.1.10
- Author
Dr. Isabelle Scholl, International Space University (ISU), France
- Coauthor
Mr. Morten Hansen, International Space University (ISU), France
- Coauthor
Mr. Vladimir Ivkovic, Institute for Anthropological Research (Zagreb, Croatia) & International Space University , Croatia
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Today Earth and space technologies are very susceptible to any kind of magnetic activities. The Space Environment and in particular Space Weather effects could have a severe and global impact on our daily life as the human society becomes more and more dependent on space based infrastructure, such as electrical grids, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), telecommunications systems (TCSS) and meteorological satellite systems (MSS). In consequence, what would happen if a major solar storm, larger than any previous solar event, reaches the Earth? This paper will discuss space weather disaster impacts on space-based, and terrestrial, infrastructures and systems from an interdisciplinary point of view. Firstly, effects from fallout of major susceptible systems have been studied. These include GNSS, TCSS and MSS systems in space and on the Earth. Secondly, direct and indirect consequences from a disaster upon human life and economy are adressed. This include health issues and other unknown human factors, as well as communication (broadcasting, bank transactions, etc.) and transportation hazards (air traffic control, ships control, car control systems). Finally, this study also includes space exploration issues and its potential problems for spacecraft as well as for humans. This initiative is part of a group project completed by a team of International Space University Master students to handle the issues related to space weather. The complete project report first discusses space weather disaster impacts on space-based and terrestrial infrastructure and systems. Then, it provides a study of a mission system to provide a better forecast of Space Weather on Earth and for use in future space exploration missions. Finally an organizational framework for an International Space Weather Emergency Response Plan Organization is proposed.
- Abstract document