SafeSpace is a scientific research project, funded by Horizon 2020, the new EU framework Programme for Research and Innovation, and submitted in response to the H2020-SPACE-2018-2020 call SU-SPACE-22-SEC-2019: Space Weather topic.
The SafeSpace project aims at advancing space weather nowcasting and forecasting capabilities and, consequently, at contributing to the safety of space assets through the transition of powerful tools from research to operations (R2O). To ensure an efficient and optimized transfer from science to application, we have foreseen close collaboration between academia (NKUA, ONERA, KUL, IAP, UPS, IASB-BIRA), a major European space industry (TAS) and a space-oriented SME (SPARC). This team shall improve radiation belt modelling through the incorporation into an existing physical model of processes and parameters that are of major importance to radiation belt dynamics. In order to set up a prototype of a new space weather service dedicated to Earth-orbiting satellites, end users’ requirements related to ionizing particles in space will be defined by TAS – in consultation with other end users.
SafeSpace is naturally related to ESA’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) programme. The objective of the SSA programme is to support Europe’s independent utilisation of, and access to, space through the provision of timely and accurate information and data regarding the space environment, and particularly regarding hazards to infrastructure in orbit and on the ground. As part of Period II and shortly period III of ESA’s SSA Programme, the Space Weather (SWE) Segment is focusing on the development of applications and coordination aimed at enabling services for owners/operators of satellites in space and infrastructure on the ground.