Expert: Philip Stahl - 2/1/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I was wondering what are the effects of solar flares on a carbon based satelite that orbits in space would have. Thank you for your time

ANSWER: Hello,

The effects of any flare will depend in general on its energy class. (Whether "carbon-based" or not, in terms of the electronics it contains).  Thus, for the most intense x-ray class flares (e.g. > X-7) there will likely be major damage inflicted, perhaps enough to render the satellite no longer useful. This happened to at least one satellite during the 1980-81 solar maximum.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: In that case, what would be the worst possible effects that a flare could have on a man-made satellite? Could it cause health risks to a person on the satellite? Thanks!

Answer
Hello,

First, no astronauts would be affected because none would be sent up at any time for which high intensity flares might be produced (such as solar maxima). We know that particularly intense flares would be lethal, given a massive dose of radiation would be received.

As I said, the worst possible effects on a man-made satellite would be its ceasing to function electronically, owing to intense x-ray flux saturating the electronic components. (No humans are ever placed inside satellites anymore but rather in operational, directional controlled craft such as the Space shuttle. Well, at least such craft can be operated by some form of control via human operators).

The Space Station is a "satellite" for all intents, but it has a degree of precautionary shielding available as well as standard emergency procedures if a major flare does occur. And, if the flare is so mammoth it still threatens any crew, they can always be returned home by one or other vehicle - probably now Russian - since the U.S. seems to have pretty well abdicated near Earth orbit space flight (with the last Shuttle mission in March)