European Space Agency: Commercial Applications of Space Weather Data

Space weather is defined as the physical and phenomenological state of natural space environments. Observation, monitoring, analysis and modelling of the state of the Sun and interplanetary and planetary environments (both via space- and ground-based observations) help us to understand its state and the possible impacts on Earth.

There are several mechanisms of action (and concern) related to space weather impacts on humanity and Earth-based industries. These include the induction of geomagnetically-induced currents (GIC) in terrestrial conductors, fluctuations in Earth’s magnetic field as measured by instruments on the ground, modifications to radio signal propagation characteristics and associated ground-based and satellite services, changes to atmospheric drag that can disrupt a satellite’s orbit and orientation, and space radiation risks to spacecraft and aircraft components and the well-being of aircrew, passengers and space-farers.

From this, the most relevant industrial sectors which would potentially benefit from the monitoring, assessment and prediction of space weather impacts on various infrastructure, are as follows:

• Electricity Networks – power infrastructure due to their susceptibility to disruption from GICs.
• Natural Resource Pipelines – GICs are expected to both impact the efficacy of the cathodic protection systems used to prevent corrosion along pipelines and interfere with the manual surveys carried out to monitor their function.
• Aviation – high-latitude and polar flights are thought to be susceptible to space weather impacts on radio communications, satellite navigation system errors and radiation hazards to humans and avionics.
• Railway – though less documented, historical evidence suggests that rail networks may be susceptible to space weather impacts on systems and components in rail infrastructure.
• Resource exploration – Magnetometer surveys are used to identify mineral deposits in the Earth’s crust, for which measurements can be altered due to space weather events. Likewise, deep sea drilling operations rely on the Earth’s horizontal magnetic field for navigation, which can be impacted by space weather events.
• Satellite Operations – space weather events may enhance radiation hazards to satellite systems and components, and lead to an increase in atmospheric drag experienced by satellites.

The purpose of this Invitation to Tender is to support industry in assessing the technical and economic viability of commercial services that leverage space weather data in a subset of the above domains (and/or alternatives adequately justified by industry).

ESA are looking for promising business ideas addressing topics of relevance or related areas that propose:

• attractive market opportunities, identified customer needs and customer engagement
• commercially-viable service concepts
• technically feasible solutions
• added value of space data or technology
• motivated teams with business, technical, and financial expertise

The initiative is open to the submission of proposals for Feasibility Studies – which provide the preparatory framework to identify, analyse and define new potentially sustainable services. ESA offer 200kEuros (firm fixed price), covering 100% of total cost.

This opportunity is open to companies that intend to develop space-enabled services and products related, but not restricted, to the topics of relevance outlined above, based in any ESA member country, which includes the UK. Authorisation of Funding letters from the corresponding National Delegations are required as part of the application.

If you would like assistance in obtaining an authorisation letter or finding a collaboration partner, or have other queries, Innovate UK Business Connect’s Space team can help.

A supporting webinar for this call will be held on Tuesday 18 February 2025 at 11:00 CET (10am UK time): click here to register for a webinar place.