VSWMC: Virtual Space Weather Modelling Centre

At Rays of Space, we are passionate about understanding space weather and developing the tools needed to forecast its impacts. Our expertise lies in building the infrastructure and models required for accurate space weather forecasting, powered by high-performance computing (HPC). One of our key projects in this regard is the Virtual Space Weather Modeling Centre (VSWMC), an ESA initiative that brings together advanced models to predict the effects of solar events from the Sun to Earth's magnetosphere, radiation belts, ionosphere, and thermosphere.

Why Space Weather Forecasting Matters

Space weather involves changing environmental conditions in space, mainly driven by solar activity. Solar flares, subsequent coronal mass ejections, and geomagnetic storms can affect satellites, communication systems, power grids, and human safety in space. Accurate forecasting helps protect both ground and space systems.

What is the Virtual Space Weather Modeling Centre?

The VSWMC connects models of space weather environment from events on the Sun to their impacts near Earth. It integrates a growing repository of interconnected models to run simulations, helping users predict and mitigate space weather effects. The system incorporates the High-Level Architecture (HLA) standard, which allows models to run in parallel across distributed locations, making the platform efficient and interoperable.

The VSWMC is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Program, aiming to improve space environment monitoring. By combining HPC, model integration, and real-time data processing, the VSWMC offers detailed simulations of solar activity and its effects, supporting a range of stakeholders in managing risks associated with space weather.

Rays of Space’s Role in VSWMC

At Rays of Space, we contribute to the VSWMC by building infrastructure, integrating models, and enabling scalability:

Infrastructure Development: We develop a foundation for the VSWMC to support data-intensive simulations, handling data from various space weather models and observational sources, ensuring reliable and scalable operations.

Model Integration: Integrating multiple space weather models is essential for comprehensive forecasting. We ensure these models interoperate seamlessly, providing a complete picture of space weather patterns and their potential impacts.

High-Performance Computing (HPC) Setup: Space weather forecasting requires significant computational power. Our HPC setup ensures efficient processing, enabling VSWMC to deliver timely and accurate predictions, with the flexibility to expand resources during periods of heightened space weather activity.

Looking Ahead

At Rays of Space, we remain dedicated to advancing space weather forecasting technologies. As we continue to enhance the VSWMC and integrate new models, we look forward to making space weather predictions more accurate, timely, and accessible.