Joint media release: Australia's first Space Weather Forecasting Centre lifts off

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia

Australia's first dedicated space weather forecasting service has blasted off for business in Adelaide.

The Bureau of Meteorology's Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre will deliver 24/7 space weather capabilities including forecasts, warnings and alerts, real-time and historical observations, space weather training, high frequency radio advice, planning tools and technical support. 

Just like the weather here on Earth, Space Weather is driven by the Sun. The Sun is an unstable ball of gasses, which are sometimes explosive, producing effects that are occasionally felt on Earth. Events such as solar flares create space weather.

Space weather can impact technology that rely on satellites – such as telecommunications and GPS systems.

As we become ever-more dependent on satellites and telecommunications technology, the impacts of space weather are likely to be more keenly felt in our daily lives.

The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre is based at Lot Fourteen in central Adelaide alongside 80 other space industry agencies and businesses. The space weather capabilities complement the Bureau's other essential forecasting and warning services which Australians rely on every day.

The Bureau's space weather forecasts and observations are available on their website for communities, business and government agencies, while tailored services are provided to the Bureau's partners and customers when they need it most.

Quote from the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water:

"Space weather can affect everything from GPS, surveillance and communications to aviation and energy supply. As we learn more about space weather, we will be better prepared to protect ourselves against disruptions and incidents.

"Improving our understanding of space weather events and their impact on our critical infrastructure is a priority for the Australian Government as we become more reliant on technology for national security and daily life.

“The Bureau of Meteorology is Australia’s trusted source of weather, climate and water knowledge. Now, it will also be our trusted source of space weather knowledge too.

"The Bureau's expanded capability will continue to support the growth of Australia's space industry. The dedicated space weather and technology experts collaborate with industry to devise, refine and deliver real time services to suit the needs of this growing industry.”

Quote from the Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy Premier of South Australia:

“South Australia is proud to host the Australian Space Agency and our state is fast being recognised as a leading player in this area.

“The use of space technology for addressing climate change will become more significant over time and I congratulate the Bureau of Meteorology on the opening of this important new facility at Lot Fourteen.”