Predict and monitor of space weather conditions

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-25-2008 20:29

We usually choose a pleasant and sunny day for outdoor activities. And the same applies for the launch of the Shenzhou Seven spacecraft as suitable weather conditions are important for the success of the mission. Gui Xiaozeng tells us how scientists predict and monitor weather conditions up in the sky. 

Three forecasts must be produced each day.

Experts at the Space Environment Prediction Center in the Chinese Academy of Sciences began comprehensive monitoring of space weather conditions in April. Observation apparatus in stations across China have been activated to lock in solar activities, geomagnetic variation and movements of the ionized layer. The stations are located in Beijing and in provinces such as Heilongjiang, Hebei, Hubei and Yunnan.

Up in the sky, China's Fengyun Two weather satellite and many satellites of other countries form a gigantic observation net in the area between 300 to 36-thousand kilometers away from the earth. Mass loads of space data are being transmitted to the SEPC every day to produce the most up-to-date weather forecast.

Liu Siqing, Deputy Director of Space Environment Prediction Center said "Solar activity is at a low peak this year. This stable environment is quite favorable to the actual launch, operation and spacewalk for Shenzhou 7."

This is a good year for space exploration, keeping the scientists busy. Weather data is being renewed every day in the week prior to the launch, and after takeoff.Three forecasts must be produced each day. Experts say it is crucial to ensure that no abnormality in the space environment is overlooked, as it could have a major impact on the space vehicle.

China already has a mature, accurate and well-developed space weather forecast system. But experts say more tasks have been added to the system because,for the first time, a spacewalk is involved.

Gong Jiancun, System Designer of Space Application Protection System said "The astronaut that will do a spacewalk faces an even worse environment than inside the capsule. Because the spacesuit can't provide a stronger protection. This makes the testing, monitoring and evaluation of environment surrounding the spacecraft a very important job. The spacewalk must be performed at a right time when there is no major space activities."

For the companion satellites the scientists' task is to select a stable space environment for the engineering department to carry out experiments. Their forecast must be highly accurate as intensive solar activity could seriously derail the satellite's orbit.

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Editor:Xiong Qu