UK Takes Leading Role in Space Weather Mission with Launch of Vigil
The UK industry has secured a leading role in a groundbreaking space weather mission with the launch of the Vigil spacecraft in 2031. Space Weather, which has recently caused displays of the Northern Lights over UK skies, has the potential to disrupt technology on Earth and threaten equipment in space and at high altitude. The Vigil mission aims to improve the ability to accurately forecast space weather by placing a spacecraft into a solar orbit where it can observe the Sun, the Earth, and the space in between. This vantage point will enable early warning about incoming solar storms, allowing for appropriate alerting and protective measures to be taken in time to minimize their impact. The development of the Vigil mission in Stevenage is a testament to the UK’s central role within the European Space Agency and its world-class expertise in space manufacturing. The mission will not only improve space weather forecasts but also protect satellites and critical services provided on Earth, contributing to a safer and more sustainable future for space activities.
UK Collaborates with International Partners for Vigil Space Weather Mission
The UK’s leading role in the Vigil space weather mission is further strengthened by collaborations with international partners. The mission will carry instruments from the UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory, Imperial College London, NASA, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Max Planck Institute in Germany, and Leonardo in Belgium and Italy. The data collected by Vigil will be used by the Met Office to offer more accurate forecasts and feed into the UK’s new National Space Operations Centre. The mission will provide valuable insights into the Sun’s behavior, improve early warnings about potentially damaging solar weather, and enhance the precision of space weather forecasts. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher highlighted the significance of Vigil as Europe’s first 24/7 operational space weather satellite, providing crucial time to protect critical infrastructure on Earth and valuable satellites in Earth orbit.
UK Strengthens Commitment to Space Sustainability with Zero Debris Charter
During the launch of the Vigil space weather mission, the UK Minister for Space signed the Zero Debris Charter in Brussels, recognizing the contribution of ESA to the global initiative to minimize the generation of debris in orbit. The UK’s close partnership with ESA in space science, exploration, climate monitoring, and technical collaboration is outlined in the National Space Strategy. ESA provides a powerful platform for sharing knowledge, technical expertise, and resources to achieve shared goals and contribute to global space endeavors. The UK hosts the European Centre for Space Applications and Telecommunications (ECSAT) and the ESA Climate Office, along with the new headquarters of the UK Space Agency, demonstrating its commitment to advancing space sustainability and collaboration on an international scale.
