Solar Particle Access Model

SPAM specifies the location, intensity, and impact from solar energetic particles

SPAM

An empirically derived data driven model for mapping solar particle flux throughout the magnetosphere for satellite anomaly monitoring and attribution

SEPs are a highly sporadic component of space radiation comprised of extremely energetic protons and heavy ions. They are produced in shock fronts that steepen ahead of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) intermittently released from the sun. Once they reach Earth, these high energy ions can easily pass through outer satellite shielding and damage electronic components, resulting in temporary malfunctions, degraded performance, or a complete system or mission loss. Most satellites are designed to tolerate these relatively infrequent events, but unexpected issues still occur especially during intense SEPs that may exceed design thresholds. Some regions are shielded as ions are deflected by Earth’s magnetic field. Monitoring the threat from these ions requires knowledge of where they have access or are deflected. Access regions change as the magnetic field is distorted by the oncoming solar wind. SPAM defines where ions have access, the ion flux intensity, and the expected single event upset rate for user specified components. When completed SPAM will be included in the SatCAT framework to give the uniqe hazard at any satellite orbit for any satellite architecture.