Summary of the space environment engineering and science applications workshop – ionospheric impacts (SEESAW-II): precision agriculture.

Authors: BISHOP, REBECCA - Aerospace Corporation; Coffin, Alisa; DOHERTY, PATRICIA - Boston College; GRIFFIN, TERRY - Arkansas State University; LEWIS, STEVE - Aerospace Corporation; MURTAGH, WILLIAM - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); RENTZ, STUART - John Deere & Company; ROUNDS, STEVE - John Deere & Company; RUTLEDGE, ROBERT - Aerospace Corporation; SINGER, HOWARD - National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/30/2021
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: N/A

Technical Abstract: Space Weather (SWx) has everyday impacts on civilian technology outside of the space enterprise. Some of the most often stated impacted applications are commercial aviation and the power-grid disruptions. However, many other application areas may be impacted by SWx, but maybe unaware of the severity. Some of the largest challenges faced by the SWx operational and forecast communities is the ability to connect to end-users, understand their needs, and tailor products and communication to specific applications. From the technology user perspective, many may not be aware of the contribution of SWx to their systems’ anomalies and/or issues, or if they are aware, may attribute it to the incorrect SWx phenomenology. To assist in bridging the communication gap between SWx researchers and end-users, The Aerospace Corporation organized and hosted a workshop focused on a specific community. The Space Environment Engineering and Science Applications Workshop – Ionospheric Impacts: Precision Agriculture (PA), was held over two days in June and July. The goal of the workshop was to bring together a focused group from the research, engineering, and user communities to discuss in detail issues experienced by the PA community, determine the extent the ionosphere causes or influences those issues, and how the SWx research/forecast community could better serve the needs of the PA users. PA is highly dependent on accurate 24/7 GNSS position, navigation, and timing data. Day 1 consisted of a series of overview presentations geared to present a well-rounded understanding of the technology and economic impact related to GNSS degradation and loss and an overview of the SWx conditions leading to ionospheric disturbances capable of disruption. Day 2 consisted of open technical discussions among all attendees in order to probe deeper into two topics: “How do existing systems and projects minimize ionospheric impacts?”, and “What type of future technology and ionospheric monitoring/forecasting is needed?”. A report summarizing the workshop is available and includes a summary of known ionospheric impacts on PA, near-term PA technology improvements, and ideas for improving SWx community support. We will present highlights of the meeting and discuss improving communications and future collaboration opportunities between the communities.