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ESA Simulates Solar Superstorm Threat to Spacecraft

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

European Space Agency (ESA) conducted its most extreme space weather simulation in Darmstadt, Germany, testing responses to a solar superstorm like the 1859 Carrington Event.
The exercise simulated an X-class solar flare, high-energy particles, and a coronal mass ejection.
The simulation showed no spacecraft would be safe, potentially disrupting communications and damaging satellites.
ESA scientists say such storms are inevitable, noting the Sentinel-1D mission is set to launch in November.

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Story summary

European Space Agency (ESA) conducted its most extreme space weather simulation in Darmstadt, Germany, testing responses to a solar superstorm like the 1859 Carrington Event.
The exercise simulated an X-class solar flare, high-energy particles, and a coronal mass ejection.
The simulation showed no spacecraft would be safe, potentially disrupting communications and damaging satellites.
ESA scientists say such storms are inevitable, noting the Sentinel-1D mission is set to launch in November.