Contrary to what may be commonly assumed, space is not empty. It is filled with electrically charged particles, photons, electric and magnetic fields, and dust. The densities of these things are low, particularly for the particulate matter.

"Space Weather" has been used to refer to the conditions on the Sun and in the solar wind, magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere that can influence the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based technological systems or can endanger human life or health. For example, satellites experience the disruptive effects of energetic particles and differential electrical charging during various conditions; astronauts are vulnerable to energetic radiation which may occur at Space Station altitudes; navigation signals from the Global Positioning Satellites are affected by irregularities in the ionosphere that occur under some conditions; massive disruptions in electric power distribution systems can be triggered by geomagnetic storms; to name a few consequences of space weather.

In order to deal with the vulnerabilities of technology to adverse effects caused by the space environment, several U. S. government agencies have launched the National Space Weather Program (NSWP) and documented the goals of the program in the National Space Weather Program Strategic Plan (FCM-P30-1995, Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research, Silver Spring, MD. 1995).

A fundamental need of the NSWP is that of promoting the research to advance the understanding of fundamental processes, numerical modeling, data processing and analysis, and the integration of this understanding into physics-based first-principle models capable of predicting space weather.

CSEM is developing the capability which will enable the first prototype implementation of a predictive, physics-based, high-performance space-weather model. This is being accomplished by utilizing and integrating the experience and expertise of a team from many disciplines and specialties.