Europa conducted space weather simulations simulating a solar superstorm similar to the 1859 Carrington event. report space.com.
The Darmstadt exercise, organized by the European Space Agency (ESA), tested the resilience of satellites and crews to extreme conditions. The goal is to protect satellites and minimize damage.
During the simulation, a Type X solar flare disrupted communications and radar, and a barrage of high-energy particles caused false readings and damage. After 15 hours, the corona's mass ejection expanded the upper atmosphere, increasing the satellites' drag by 400% and increasing the risk of collision.
On Earth, such a storm could overload power grids and pipes. The ESA controller performs actions in real time. Expert Jorge Amaya warns that an explosion on the scale of the Carrington event will not leave any satellite safe.
Scientists declare a “new era” in solar research
ESA scientists believe that such an event is inevitable. In preparation, the agency is expanding its monitoring network and preparing for the 2031 Vigil mission, which will position itself at the L5 point between the Sun and Earth to provide early warning of solar eruptions and quickly restore systems.
