FAA's Space Weather Aviation Research Program

Within the last two years, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) NextGen Office has developed a Space Weather Aviation research program in their Aviation Weather Division. Space weather refers to the variable conditions on the Sun and in the space environment that can influence the performance and reliability of space and ground-based technological systems, as well as endanger human health.

Primary space weather effects concerning aviation include radiation exposure and communication and navigational disruptions. Aviation space weather research includes but is not limited to, methods of improving space weather information dissemination, vulnerability assessments of precision operations reliant on navigational systems, aviation radiation model improvements, and neutron monitor network support.

The objective of the FAA Space Weather Aviation research program is to conduct research to mitigate the impact of space weather on aviation. The goal is to issue enhanced space weather data to operational decision-makers ensuring the most efficient and safe management of air traffic in light of space weather dangers. This presentation will cover the development of FAA’s Space Weather Aviation program and its current and projected research outcomes.