(U) Space Environment Technology Transition (SETT) Models

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U)  The Space Environmental Technology Transition (SETT) program transitions state-of-the-art space environmental models to operational use at the 50th Weather Squadron.  These models will specify and forecast the space environment from the Sun to the Earth's upper atmosphere.  The output of these models will drive specific application programs tailored to customer needs. 

Description: (U)
(U)  The Space Environmental Technology Transition (SETT) program transitions state-of-the-art space environmental models to operational use at the Air Force's 50th Weather Squadron.  These models will specify and forecast the space environment from the Sun to the Earth's upper atmosphere.  The output of these models will drive specific application programs tailored to customer needs. 

(U)  The transition of the SETT models to the 50th Weather Squadron will be completed in 1999.  Follow-on model development will focus on improving model accuracies and will replace surrogate parameters (as model inputs) with direct measurements wherever possible. 

(U)  Models involved in the SETT program include:

- (U)  Magnetospheric Models - The Magnetospheric Specification Model (MSM) provides specification of  magnetospheric particle fluxes at geostationary altitudes and precipitating particle fluxes in the auroral zone.  An upgrade of this model, the Magnetospheric Specification and Forecast Model, will provide forecast capability and increase the MSM coverage area.  One application of MSM output will be as input for satellite anomaly programs.  The MSM became operational at the 50th Weather Squadron in FY 1995.

- (U)  Ionospheric Models - 

-- (U)  The Parameterized Real-Time Ionospheric Specification Model specifies global electron density using near-real-time satellite and ground-based data.  It was to become operational in late FY 1996.  

-- (U)  A second ionospheric model, the Ionospheric Forecast Model (IFM) will be based on a model developed by Utah State University.  When completed, the IFM will provide an ionospheric forecasting capability; it is currently undergoing validation.  Ionospheric model output will be used as in put for space track radar correction and HF radio wave propagation programs.  

-- (U)  Another variant of the ionospheric models, the Wide-Band Model, will provide accuracy of this model has recently been improved by the inclusion of equatorial and high latitude climatological data.  

- (U)  Interplanatary Shock Propagation Model - This model is designed to predict the time of arrival and the dynamic pressure pulse associated with solar flares.  This will provide a 1-3 day warning of geomagnetic storms resulting from solar activity.

- (U) Integrated Space Environmental Model - This model is a coupling model and executive system being developed to integrate the SETT models into a single system sharing input and output data.  It will provide a shight framework within which to coordinate and facilitate the execution of all SETT models using scientific expertise and decision-making ability within the program, which will increase the consistency of the outputs, optimize run times, and decrease forecaster workload. 

User Impact: (U)
(U) To be supplied.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Programmed.
	(U) IOC: 10/1998 (1QFY1999).

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) None.

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Forecasting

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
21 November 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)