Space weather can affect satellite-based navigation and communication systems and present a health risk to aircrew and passengers. In addition, the difficulty of forecasting the occurrence and severity of space weather events accurately and the dissemination of that information present additional challenges that need to be addressed in order to prevent the disruption to aviation.

The implementation of the Performance Based Navigation (PBN) concept is a key enabler for the increased capacity, improved efficiency and the reduction in environmental impact. This is required to facilitate the continued and sustainable growth of aviation. In PBN, aircraft are less dependent on traditional ground-based navigation systems and more reliant upon airborne technologies based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

Space Weather refers to the processes that originate in the sun and other stars which affect the environmental conditions near the earth.

These weather aspects include Solar Winds that are emitted continuously from the Sun, Solar flares which travel at the speed of light and Coronal Mass Ejections which can take a few days to reach the earth.

If we consider the impact these can have on earth, HF blackouts are possible, solar radiation storms can induce increased radiation exposure to aviation especially near the poles and other events can influence conventional magnetic navigation on earth. GNSS can also be adversely affected.

The intensity of these events is cyclical, with an 11-year cycle and can impact significantly on communications over HF.

Overall, the effect on ATM can be significant due to impact on navigation performance, communications and equipment malfunctions.

In order for cope with these scenarios, Flight Crew and ANSPs require accurate and timely information on space weather to mitigate its impact on aviation through observations and forecasts.