The major satellites that provide early warning information about solar flares and CMEs have been on the job for several years. How long will they last, and why does it matter? Read the article, “Are small satellites the solution for space weather modeling?”

Bring up an Internet search engine.

Type, “Are small satellites the solution for space weather modeling?” into the search box.

Click on the Search button.

Then analyze the timeline for consideration of the Space Weather Research and Forecasting Act (a. k.a., Space Weather Coordination Act). The Act is an attempt to coordinate federal agencies’ study and forecasting of space weather, as well as to determine the vulnerability of infrastructure to geomagnetic storms.

A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate put the bill’s cost at $182 million over five years when the bill was first introduced in 2016. The policy of the U. S. government includes strong support for research into and preparedness for the effects of space weather. Does the government’s policy match its actions? Does it match the seriousness of the situation? What are the consequences?