Date: 14 May 2025 
Location: ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany 

On 14 May 2025, ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt hosted a hybrid workshop dedicated to the Space Weather Demonstrator Phase 2, an initiative of Protect. 

Building on the success of Phase 1 (the Arctic Phase), Phase 2 has shifted focus to sector-specific engagement across Europe. Launched on 24 January 2025, this phase aims to deepen operational understanding and preparedness in three key sectors: 

  • Power system operations 
  • Spacecraft operations 
  • Communications & PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) 

A User-Driven Approach 

14 organisations from 13 ESA Member, Associate, and Cooperating States are actively participating in this effort. Each is represented by a National Point of Contact (NPOC), responsible for disseminating a structured survey to key stakeholders of the three priority sectors in their country.  

The survey’s goal? To assess users’ awareness of space weather risks, evaluate exposure and current readiness, and collect targeted feedback on ESA’s existing services. 

The structured questionnaire includes 100 questions, covering a wide range of aspects—from current usage of space weather data and services (nowcasts, forecasts, post-event analyses), to understanding of risks, experienced disruptions, emergency planning, and priorities for future improvements in service characteristics such as accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility. 

This user-centric approach ensures that ESA’s future services are designed to respond to real operational needs across Europe. 

Workshop Structure and Objectives 

The morning session was dedicated to reviewing and structuring inputs received to date in preparation for the upcoming report. The current analysis includes three layers: 

  • National-level insights 
  • European-level overview
  • Sector-specific deep dives 

As of 1 May 2025, we had collected 66 responses: 

  • 27% from the power system operations sector 
  • 27% from communications and/or PNT 
  • 24% from spacecraft operations 

Responses continue to come in, and further insights will be incorporated from the follow-up meetings that each NPOC is set to organise with interested organisations. 

The afternoon session focused on training the NPOCs for these upcoming national follow-ups—ensuring a consistent and effective approach to stakeholder engagement across all participating countries. 

Mapping Europe’s Space Weather Landscape 

To ensure comprehensive outreach, ESA also conducted a sectoral mapping exercise, particularly for the power system operations sector. This mapping allowed us to assess how much of each sector’s ecosystem has been reached through the survey. 

For example, the power system sector was mapped across six key areas: 

  • Energy Supply Chain: Generators, transmission and distribution operators, traders, and market operators 
  • Infrastructure & Innovation: Developers, tech providers, storage, emerging players 
  • Regulation & Governance: Regulatory bodies, policymakers, standardisation, intergovernmental organisations 
  • Finance & Advisory: Consultants, insurers, investors 
  • Advocacy: Industry alliances, lobbying groups, NGOs 
  • End-Users: Consumers and prosumers 

This breakdown will help us evaluate coverage across the full value chain and identify potential gaps for future outreach. 

Looking Ahead 

This workshop marked a significant milestone in ESA’s commitment to building user-driven, operationally relevant space weather services. By listening closely to stakeholders across Europe, Protect and its Space Weather Demonstrator Phase 2 initiative aim to accelerate preparedness, resilience, and collaboration in response to the recurring challenges posed by space weather—particularly during periods of increased solar activity. 

The analysis will continue as more responses are received, and follow-up meetings are held. A consolidated report will follow, laying the foundation for improved services and deeper cooperation across Europe’s critical sectors. 

Stay tuned for more updates!