The overall session topics are described below. Suggestions for topical discussions are solicited during registration. When submitting abstracts, please choose one or more topics relevant to that abstract, to help assign the abstract into the appropriate topical session.
Topic 1: Current Status of Research and Forecasting
Facilitators: Jim Spann (NASA), David Jackson (UK Met Office)
Understanding the current state-of-the-art for space weather-related research including observations and numerical models; forecasting tools; and O2R/R2O pipelines. Specific items within this topic include:
- Results from SmallSat missions
- Open research questions that smallsats could address
- Gaps in operational SpWx
- Lessons learned from past and ongoing SmallSat missions
Topic 2: Data Exploitation & Modeling Ideas
Facilitators: Wendy Carande (CU Boulder/SWx TREC), Alec Engell (NextGen Federal Systems)
Current status and future outlook for fully leveraging space weather data and modeling, including integration of data from multiple separate missions, handling of large data sets from constellations, applications of machine learning to mine large data sets, and O2R/R2O considerations. Specific items within this topic include:
- Data assimilation from existing assets: Creating ‘Virtual’ constellations
- AI/Machine Learning approaches to SpWx
- Big Data Analytics approaches (e.g. data mining) to SpWx
- Uncertainty Quantification techniques for research/operational models
Topic 3: Instrumentation, Enabling Technologies & Mission Concepts
Facilitators: Rebecca Bishop (Aerospace Corp.), Lauren Blum (CU Boulder)
Current state-of-the-art and future outlook for space hardware for space weather smallsat missions, including science instrumentation, supporting hardware, new technologies, and mission concepts for next-generation space weather research. Specific items within this topic include:
- Space weather instrumentation for small satellite platforms. Observational requirements and operational challenges. Ground systems for data acquisition
- Small-satellite subsystems (propulsion, ACS, communications, power, others) necessary for the study of the full range of space weather conditions
- Future missions and next-gen mission concepts, including constellations
Topic 4: Programmatic Issues & Outlook
Facilitators: Alexa Halford (NASA/GSFC), Irfan Azeem (NOAA)
Current status, future outlook, and community needs for government and industry programs for space weather-related small satellites, including considerations for funding, technology development, launch and rideshare opportunities, and special opportunities; as well as “state of the community” considerations such as workforce and equitability issues. Specific items within this topic include:
- Access to space (CSSP report, HQ talks, Decadal preparations)
- International Collaborations (data sharing, mission development, rideshares,…)
- Artemis opportunities
- Workforce retention and development