Oct 27 – 31, 2025
Europe/Stockholm timezone

Impact of space weather on higher airspace operations & commercial space operations

Oct 27, 2025, 1:45 PM
15m
Miklagård

Miklagård

Oral CD4 - Space Weather Impacts on Transportation Systems CD4 - Space Weather Impacts on Transportation Systems

Speaker

Alessandro Bucci (UNIVERSITY OF ROME - TOR VERGATA)

Description

Understanding the radiation risks associated with space weather phenomena is becoming increasingly critical as aviation and space travel push beyond traditional boundaries. With the rise of commercial aviation at high altitudes, the emergence of suborbital tourism, and long-duration missions in low Earth orbit (LEO), assessing radiation exposure under varying space weather conditions is crucial for ensuring human safety. This study evaluates radiation dose scenarios across three key flight environments: commercial aviation at 12 km, suborbital flights at 88 km, and orbital missions at 400 km, such as those aboard the International Space Station.
Key parameters, including solar radiation intensity and the shielding effectiveness of Earth's atmosphere and spacecraft, are investigated using advanced methodologies, including Monte Carlo simulations. Specifically, the study simulates exposure under a range of geomagnetic storm conditions, from minor disturbances (G1-class) to severe solar events (G5-class), which can dramatically increase radiation levels.
By comparing these altitudes and storm intensities, the research highlights how both altitude and exposure duration influence radiation risks. It concludes with strategic recommendations, such as improved radiation shielding, operational adjustments during heightened solar activity, and in particular the adoption of advanced space weather forecasting technologies.

Primary author

Alessandro Bucci (UNIVERSITY OF ROME - TOR VERGATA)

Co-authors

Andrea Malizia (UNIVERSITY OF ROME - TOR VERGATA) Mr Angelo Romito (ITALIAN AIR FORCE) Ms Laura Mucciarelli Mr Pio Ciro Aspetti (UNIVERSITY OF ROME - TOR VERGATA)

Presentation materials