☀️ Space Glossary

Space Environment

The space environment that satellites must survive — radiation belts, solar storms, atmospheric drag, and the geomagnetic phenomena that affect spacecraft and ground systems. 13 terms, each explained in plain language with key data and links to live trackers.

A Aurora Glowing atmospheric displays caused by solar particles hitting Earth's magnetic field 80–600 kmOxygen at 557.7 nm CME CME Massive plasma eruption from the Sun 250–3,000 km/s15–72 hours DI Dst Index The storm gauge that measures Earth's ring current ≈ 0 nT (±20)−50 / −100 / −250 nT F10.7 F10.7 Index Solar activity proxy — drives atmospheric drag 64–70 SFU150–250+ SFU GS Geomagnetic Storm Disturbance in Earth's magnetosphere from solar events G1=Kp5, G3=Kp7, G5=Kp9 Kp Kp Index Global geomagnetic activity scale (0–9) 0–9Kp 0–1 NS NOAA Scales G, S and R — space weather's hurricane categories G · S · RKp 5 → G1 · Kp 9 → G5 SAA SAA Region where the radiation belts dip closest to Earth 200 kmWeak magnetic field SC Solar Cycle The Sun's 11-year heartbeat, felt by every satellite ~11 years (9–14)Sunspot number SF Solar Flare A sudden burst of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun's surface Space Environment SW Solar Wind The million-mph plasma stream that fills the solar system ~300–800 km/sSouthward field (Bz) SN Sunspot Number Science's longest-running data series, still ticking R = 10g + sContinuous since 1700 VAB Van Allen Belts Zones of trapped charged particles around Earth 1,000–5,000 km15,000–25,000 km

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All terms 🌐 Orbit Types 📐 Orbital Elements 📡 Tracking & Space Surveillance 🚀 Manoeuvres & Propulsion 🛡️ Debris & Space Safety 🛰️ Spacecraft Systems 🏗️ Launch & Ascent ⚖️ Policy & Regulation 📍 Navigation & Timing 🔭 Earth Observation 📡 Amateur Radio & Satellites 🔭 Deep Space & Astrophysics 👨‍🚀 Human Spaceflight 🌐 Satellite Internet & Mega-Constellations 🪐 Planetary Science & Exploration