Continuous In-Situ and Remote Sun Observation for Space Weather Monitoring and Mitigation of Infrastructure Threats Through an Optimized Heliocentric Satellite Constellation

TL;DR

This paper proposes an optimized heliocentric satellite constellation to improve space weather monitoring, enabling better prediction and mitigation of solar activity threats to Earth's infrastructure through continuous, multi-perspective observations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel satellite configuration that enhances 3D reconstruction and prediction of solar phenomena, filling critical gaps in current space weather monitoring capabilities.

Findings

Enables 3D reconstruction of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).

Provides continuous Sun-Earth line coverage.

Distinguishes spatial and temporal solar wind changes.

Abstract

Although vital for life on Earth, solar activity poses questions and increasing threats to humanity due to the Sun's unknown dynamics, intensified by our dependence on terrestrial and space-based infrastructure. This situation is compounded by significant gaps in our understanding of space weather phenomena, the Sun's magnetic field, and the need for rapid responses to unpredicted solar events. To address these issues, an optimized heliocentric satellite constellation is proposed that leverages satellites in an Elliptical Walker Constellation. This system offers (among others) equally distributed arguments of periapsis separations and cross-coupled true anomalies with respect to the Sun-centric coordinate frame. In this paper it is also demonstrated that this strategic multi-spacecraft configuration makes it possible to distinguish spatial and temporal changes in solar wind phenomena, reconstruct, in 3D, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), predict which space or ground-based infrastructure and when it will be affected by CMEs, maintain continuous coverage of the critical Sun-Earth line throughout the mission's duration, and protect future missions by providing simultaneously in-situ and remote measurements from small and cost-effective satellites.