Emergency drill finds US agencies underprepared for solar storm
Iain Hoey
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First national drill highlights gaps in solar storm readiness
The United States federal government has published the results of a multi-agency simulation that tested national preparedness for a large-scale solar storm.
According to Popular Science, the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation (SWORM) task force concluded that U.S. agencies require improved coordination and public education on the risks associated with geomagnetic disturbances.
The drill, held in May 2024, revealed that emergency and governmental institutions lack clear protocols and continuity plans for a space weather event, despite the growing threat to digital and power infrastructure.
Solar storm scenarios tested by federal agencies
The simulation, known as the Space Weather Tabletop Exercise (SWx TTX), took place on 8 and 9 May 2024 at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory and the FEMA Region 8 office in Colorado.
The exercise involved four scenario modules simulating the fallout from high-energy solar activity, including power failures, GPS disruptions, radio communication loss, and threats to astronaut safety during lunar missions.
SWORM included representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other federal bodies.
According to the report, the hypothetical event featured a solar flare threatening Earth while two crewed NASA missions were en route to and located on the Moon.
Agencies lack clarity on emergency activation protocols
The report identified widespread deficiencies in how agencies plan for solar storm-related disruptions.
According to SWORM, many participating institutions do not have formal Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans addressing space weather.
Even among those that mentioned space weather in contingency documents, there was a lack of specific guidance on when and how emergency protocols should be enacted.
The report stated: “Even those organizations that include space weather in their documents fail to provide clarity regarding how and at what point a COOP would be activated for this type of event.”
Public education and warning systems are insufficient
SWORM also cited a major gap in public awareness and internal understanding of space weather among participating groups.
The task force noted: “Space weather is a complex subject and its potential impacts are not well understood outside of NOAA and NASA.”
It continued: “Participants without space weather expertise struggled to translate the scientific information and determine what the specific impacts would be on Earth.”
SWORM concluded: “There is a strong need to educate not only government and agency staff but the general public, as well.”
The report also highlighted the short warning times currently available, with accurate forecasts of coronal mass ejection impacts limited to roughly 30 minutes before arrival.
Call for upgraded detection systems and international cooperation
The findings recommended increased investment in monitoring infrastructure.
SWORM proposed that the federal government prioritise development of new satellite technologies and space weather sensors.
It further suggested that collaboration with international and private-sector partners could enhance detection capabilities.
The report stated that developing early warning systems, even if imperfect, should be a priority for mitigation strategies.
Emergency drill finds U.S. agencies underprepared for solar storm: Summary
The federal government hosted a solar storm preparedness drill on 8 and 9 May 2024.
The event was led by the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation (SWORM) task force.
Participants included the Department of Homeland Security and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The exercise featured a simulated solar flare event with four impact scenarios.
The SWORM report found that many agencies lack formal emergency response protocols for space weather.
It stated that few organisations have clear Continuity of Operations (COOP) plans for such incidents.
SWORM reported that most participants lacked understanding of how space weather affects critical systems.
The report highlighted a need for better interagency communication and public education.
It noted that current warning systems provide just 30 minutes’ notice for solar storm impacts.
The task force recommended investment in space weather satellites and sensor technology.
It also encouraged international and private-sector collaboration on early warning capabilities.