The Current State and Future Directions of Modeling Thermosphere Density Enhancements During Extreme Magnetic Storms

Satellites, crewed spacecraft and stations in low-Earth orbit (LEO) are very sensitive to atmospheric drag. A satellite’s lifetime orbital tracking become increasingly inaccurate or uncertain during magnetic storms. Given the planned increase of government private satellite presence LEO, need for accurate density predictions collision avoidance optimization, particularly extreme events, has an urgent matter requires comprehensive international collaboration. Additionally, long-term solar activity models historical data suggest that will significantly following years decades. In this article, we briefly summarize main achievements research thermosphere response storms occurring after launching many satellites with state-of-the-art accelerometers from which high-accuracy can be determined. We find performance empirical model assimilation is higher than its without all storm phases. discuss how forecasting improved by looking into two directions: first, past, adapting datasets predictions, second, future, facilitating large-scale sets collected future events. Therefore, topic relevant scientific community, agencies operate satellites, sector assets operating LEO.