DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Capacity Building in Space-Weather Physics: Effects of the Space Environment on Critical Infrastructure over Sub-Saharan Africa

Project disclaimer

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Description

The space environment has a critical influence on satellite operations, navigation and communication. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SubSA), the space environment poses unique challenges due to the location beneath the region of the ionosphere called the equatorial anomaly. This region of complex physics is prone to disturbances that disrupt satellite signals and adversely impact navigation and communication signals. These disruptions are called space-weather events. This collaboration between the University of Bath, the Technical University of Kenya and the Kenya Space Agency addresses the need for building capacity in the space sector in SubSA. The project will deliver research and education that underpins multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The value of the space industry to Africa is predicted to be over £18 billion by next year (2026). The Kenya Space Agency has recognised that educational partnerships are essential in creating a highly-skilled workforce equipped to meet the growing demands of the space sector. This project will address their identified priority areas of satellite technology in agriculture, disaster management and environmental monitoring. Each of these application areas rely on the continuous operation of satellite navigation signals, but there is a problem because these signals are disrupted by space weather. This project aims to conduct research to support a real-time monitoring system for space-weather across SubSA that will warn about space-weather events that impact the reliable operation of satellite-based services. This will enable the creation of new technologies and systems that can accurately account for threats and improve the reliability and resilience of infrastructure in SubSA. Understanding the physics of the ionospheric region, real-time monitoring, and translation to a user-friendly interface reporting on system impacts are all essential elements. This planned research and development is crucial for unlocking the full potential of space technology and driving economic growth in the region. This project will have significant benefits for SubSA, including: * Building expertise in space-environment physics and space-environment engineering * Improving reliability and resilience of critical communications, navigation and timing systems * Increasing safety and efficiency in future transportation and commerce * Transforming awareness and management of space-environmental threats The project will develop key capabilities that will transform SubSA capacity in space weather: 1. A new generation of trained scientists with expertise in the physics and ability to apply their knowledge about the space environment to satellite-based services. This will be achieved through collaborative research and dedicated workshop events. 2. Enhanced research capability in instrument operation and data analysis to correctly interpret and understand the behaviour of the SubSA ionosphere. This will be achieved through research underpinning the development of a real-time assimilation system. 3. Translation from physics computer modelling into real world applications, through enhanced expertise and wide user engagement.

Objectives

The space environment has a critical influence on satellite operations, navigation and communication. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SubSA), the space environment poses unique challenges due to the location beneath the region of the ionosphere called the equatorial anomaly. This region of complex physics is prone to disturbances that disrupt satellite signals and adversely impact navigation and communication signals. These disruptions are called space-weather events. This collaboration between the University of Bath, the Technical University of Kenya and the Kenya Space Agency addresses the need for building capacity in the space sector in SubSA. The project will deliver research and education that underpins multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The value of the space industry to Africa is predicted to be over £18 billion by next year (2026). The Kenya Space Agency has recognised that educational partnerships are essential in creating a highly-skilled workforce equipped to meet the growing demands of the space sector. This project will address their identified priority areas of satellite technology in agriculture, disaster management and environmental monitoring. Each of these application areas rely on the continuous operation of satellite navigation signals, but there is a problem because these signals are disrupted by space weather. This project aims to conduct research to support a real-time monitoring system for space-weather across SubSA that will warn about space-weather events that impact the reliable operation of satellite-based services. This will enable the creation of new technologies and systems that can accurately account for threats and improve the reliability and resilience of infrastructure in SubSA. Understanding the physics of the ionospheric region, real-time monitoring, and translation to a user-friendly interface reporting on system impacts are all essential elements. This planned research and development is crucial for unlocking the full potential of space technology and driving economic growth in the region. This project will have significant benefits for SubSA, including: * Building expertise in space-environment physics and space-environment engineering * Improving reliability and resilience of critical communications, navigation and timing systems * Increasing safety and efficiency in future transportation and commerce * Transforming awareness and management of space-environmental threats The project will develop key capabilities that will transform SubSA capacity in space weather: 1. A new generation of trained scientists with expertise in the physics and ability to apply their knowledge about the space environment to satellite-based services. This will be achieved through collaborative research and dedicated workshop events. 2. Enhanced research capability in instrument operation and data analysis to correctly interpret and understand the behaviour of the SubSA ionosphere. This will be achieved through research underpinning the development of a real-time assimilation system. 3. Translation from physics computer modelling into real world applications, through enhanced expertise and wide user engagement.

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Location

The country, countries or regions that benefit from this Programme.

Kenya