George Mason receives two NSF grants for satellite operations and space-network security

Edward Oughton of George Mason University received two U.S. National Science Foundation grants for work on satellite operations and space networks. Announced October 15, the $499,837 project aims to develop a framework that turns uncertainty in forecasts of geomagnetic-storm occurrence, timing and severity into risk information for satellite operations.

The research plans to combine multiple datasets with machine-learning and physics-based models, narrowing forecast uncertainty and assessing possible effects on infrastructure, the economy and society. The announcement does not report a completed forecasting system or measured accuracy results. A second $49,357 award, with Alexander Sprintson as co-principal investigator, will support a workshop bringing together academia, industry and government to set research priorities for cybersecurity in space and non-terrestrial networks.