Science & Tech · Space · 8 hrs ago
ETH Zurich is developing a satellite to improve space-weather forecasts
ETH Zurich is developing the Ethos research satellite to study solar storms, with the mission planned to begin in 2030.
Strong solar activity can heat and expand Earth's upper atmosphere, slowing satellites in low orbits and pushing them off course.
That can raise the risk of collisions with other satellites or space debris.
The atmosphere's response to solar activity is difficult to predict accurately, and Ethos will measure solar energy, radiation and changes in the ionosphere, a charged layer of the upper atmosphere.
Those measurements are intended to improve space-weather forecasts and help satellite operators receive early warnings about possible changes in orbit.
The mission also aims to continue long-term records of solar radiation as several existing measurement missions are expected to end around 2030.
Its data may also support climate research, and the project is being developed by ETH Zurich with research institutions in Davos, Bern and Lausanne.
ETH Zurich is developing Ethos, a small research satellite intended to improve forecasts of space weather.
The satellite is expected to contribute to more precise forecasts from 2030.
Its instruments will measure solar energy and radiation, changes in the ionosphere, and the satellite’s orbit.
The measurements are intended to clarify how solar activity affects the upper atmosphere and the drag on satellites.
The mission is also expected to support long-term solar-radiation records used in climate research.
- Who
- ETH Zurich is developing the mission with the Physical Meteorological Observatory Davos, the University of Bern and EPFL.
- What
- They are developing Ethos, a research satellite to study solar storms and improve space-weather forecasts.
- When
- It is expected to contribute to forecasts from 2030.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Solar activity can change the upper atmosphere and increase drag on low-orbit satellites, but those effects are currently difficult to predict accurately.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ethos is expected to contribute to more precise space-weather forecasts.
Several existing solar-measurement missions are expected to reach the end of their service lives.
- Satellite
- Ethos
- Mass
- About 25 to 30 kilograms
- Forecast contribution
- From 2030
- Mission partners
- ETH Zurich, Physical Meteorological Observatory Davos, University of Bern and EPFL
- Measurements
- Solar energy, X-ray and extreme ultraviolet radiation, ionosphere changes and satellite orbit