12th IAA Symposium on Future Space Exploration

12th IAA Symposium on Future Space Exploration, Moon, Mars and beyond:
becoming an Interplanetary Civilization,
09-11 June 2025, Torino, Italy

IAA-FSE-25-XX-XX

ADVANCING SPACE WEATHER PREDICTIONS THROUGH MEASUREMENTS AND VIRTUAL SATELLITE ALGORITHMS

Sergio Servidio(1), Giuseppe Prete(2), Giuseppe Nisticò(3), Vincenzo Capparelli(4), Antonella Greco(5), Antonella Congacha(6), Eilsa Fortugno(7), and Silvano Fineschi(8)
(1)-(7)Dipartimento di Fisica, Università della Calabria, 87036, Cosenza, Italy sergio.servidio@fis.unical.it
(8)Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (INAF), Osservatorio Astrofisico di Torino, Italy
silvano.fineschi@inaf.it

Keywords: space weather, solar wind measurements, numerical simulations, new space missions

Extreme space weather events are a frequent and inherent consequence of solar activity. Due to the Sun’s continuous and unpredictable dynamics, intense coronal mass ejections (CMEs) propagate through the heliosphere, posing significant risks to astronauts and spacecraft systems. Within the framework of the Space it Up project, we leverage in-situ data and state-of-the-art heliospheric mission insights to conduct a systematic study of extreme plasma emissions from the Sun. Our approach employs virtual satellite modeling, supported by novel numerical algorithms, to simulate these events and predict key parameters — including magnetic and electric fields — under extreme conditions.

This methodology enables a holistic reconstruction of the heliospheric environment, allowing for arbitrary spacecraft positioning at multiple locations, as well as the analysis of lunar interactions. Furthermore, refined models may facilitate the prediction of high-energy particle fluxes approaching target planets on short timescales. The findings of this project could lay the groundwork for the design of future space missions, enhancing resilience against space weather hazards.