Platform · Operate
Space weather monitoring for mission teams.
A geomagnetic storm can raise drag on a low-orbit satellite, upset electronics and degrade navigation signals. GC GO puts the readings that matter on one screen, next to your policy and industry intelligence.
Free to join. Every application is reviewed by a person.
The console
The readings that matter, on one screen.
The Space Weather Console shows the Kp index with its forecast, solar wind, X-ray and proton flux, active warnings, flares and active regions on the Sun.
The data comes from public sources, including the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center and NASA DONKI. Each feed shows when it was last updated, so you know how current a reading is before you act on it.
Mission-impact assessments are labelled as inferred. Treat them as an estimate to start from; the readings above are the measurements.
- Kp index and forecast
- Solar wind, X-ray and proton flux
- Warnings, flares and active regions
- Source and freshness shown for every feed
What the Kp index tells you.
The planetary K index, Kp, summarizes how disturbed Earth's magnetic field is, on a scale from 0 (quiet) to 9 (extreme). It is derived from ground magnetometers around the world and reported in three-hour intervals.
NOAA's geomagnetic storm scale maps onto it directly: a Kp of 5 is a G1 (minor) storm and a Kp of 9 is a G5 (extreme) storm. Operators use it as a quick read of how much the space environment is likely to affect hardware and signals.
Kp index and the NOAA geomagnetic storm scale.
| Kp | NOAA scale | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 | Below G1 | Quiet to active |
| 5 | G1 | Minor storm |
| 6 | G2 | Moderate storm |
| 7 | G3 | Strong storm |
| 8 | G4 | Severe storm |
| 9 | G5 | Extreme storm |
General reference based on the NOAA Space Weather Scales. Not GC GO data.
What space weather does to a mission.
Atmospheric drag
Storms heat and expand the upper atmosphere. Satellites in low Earth orbit meet more drag and lose altitude faster.
Electronics
Energetic particles can cause single-event upsets and charge spacecraft surfaces.
Signals
Disturbances in the ionosphere degrade HF radio and satellite navigation accuracy.
Common questions.
Where does GC GO's space weather data come from?
From public sources, including the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center and NASA DONKI. The console shows the source and last update time of each feed.
What is the Kp index?
A 0 to 9 measure of how disturbed Earth's magnetic field is, reported in three-hour intervals. A Kp of 5 or more indicates a geomagnetic storm.
Does GC GO predict the impact on my mission?
The console shows inferred mission-impact assessments, clearly labelled as estimates. They are a starting point for your own analysis, not a guarantee.
Who is it for?
Satellite operators and mission operations teams who want space weather next to launch, orbital and policy information.
Open to verified members.
Apply once. A person reviews every application before access is granted.