The Formidable Task of Developing a Predictive Capability of the Space Environment of the Solar System

We have before us a rather formidable task – we are in need of developing a predictive capability of the space environment of the solar system. Such a capability is required to protect our everincreasing assets in space, and to understand the influence of the Sun on Earth. Such a capability will be essential if we are to send humans forth on long-duration space flights. This is not a problem that can be undertaken haphazardly. The Sun and the space environment of the solar system are an integrated system, which needs to be studied through coordinated missions, coordinated data analysis, and coordinated theory and modeling efforts. And there needs to be a community of dedicated researchers who understand the magnitude of the task and are committed and supported to achieve the required goals. Nothing less will succeed. The complexity of the problem of developing a predictive capability of the space environment of the solar system and the requirements for success will be discussed.