The U.S. Department of Defense is set to launch the Space Weather Analysis and Forecast System (SWAFS) 2.0, a cloud-based platform designed to assist satellite operators in determining whether space weather events are the likely cause of on-orbit anomalies. This tool is scheduled for operational release in March or April 2025.
Background Context
Space weather encompasses various phenomena, including solar flares, geomagnetic storms, and solar energetic particles, which can significantly impact satellite operations. For instance, solar flares can produce strong X-rays that degrade or block high-frequency radio waves used for communication, leading to radio blackouts. Additionally, energetic particles can penetrate satellite electronics,