Solar storms are projected to cause a $20.65B economic hit in 2026, with annualized losses surging to $44.27B by 2035, according to a new report from space-environment intelligence firm Mission Space. Space weather forecasters face a stark operational reality as this economic growth is driven primarily by an increase in exposed space assets and a rapidly growing volume of satellites and orbital infrastructure at risk from solar radiation.
Economic Impact of Solar Storms on Global Infrastructure
Space weather has posed an infrastructure risk for decades, but most legacy loss scenarios still rely on a reference point from an intense period of solar activity in 2003. Because technology has evolved significantly since then, Mission Space rebuilt the exposure baseline to reflect modern vulnerabilities. The firm divides its findings into nine distinct channels, ranging from the GNSS-dependent ground economy to deep space missions.
Power grids remain the single largest point of exposure, accounting for $12.88B in projected losses for 2026 and scaling to $18.03B by 2035. Meanwhile, the economic profile tilts skyward over the next decade. Space infrastructure and connectivity losses are set to climb from $2.21B to $8.83B, while the GNSS-dependent ground economy grows from $3.23B to $6.46B, slipping to third place in overall exposure.
Did you know? Altogether, orbital and beyond-Earth channels will swell from 17% of expected space weather losses to 42% by 2035, driven by the surge in active commercial satellites.
Orbital Traffic Chaos and Low Earth Orbit Shifts
Beyond financial losses on the ground, space weather introduces severe operational hurdles in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Environmental shifts alter atmospheric density and reduce the accuracy of predicted spacecraft trajectories. These shifts rapidly change large parts of LEO, forcing satellite operators to respond to unexpected deviations and introducing frequent trajectory changes into tracking catalogues.
For instance, commercial Space Situational Awareness (SDA) company LeoLabs secured a $20.68M Prototype Other Transaction Agreement from the Space Force, as announced on Wednesday. The contract utilizes a rapid procurement vehicle that allows the Pentagon to quickly test new technology. LeoLabs is applying this radar tech to national security missions, utilizing its newly unveiled Scout mobile radar system—roughly the size of a shipping container—which can be deployed anywhere to collect critical orbital intelligence.
Lunar Operations and Deep Space Radiation Risks
As agencies and private firms look beyond Earth, future lunar operations must account for both the frequency and severity of space weather events. Without the protection of Earth’s magnetosphere, radiation defines the thin lunar atmosphere, directly impacting Extravehicular Activity (EVA) schedules, shelter access, power operations, and surface transport, according to Mission Space data.
A notable generational gap complicates these upcoming missions. While the final human Moon program mission, Apollo 17, wrapped up approximately ~54 years ago, Mission Space notes that most companies flying today’s orbital infrastructure have not even existed for a full, 11-year solar cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will solar storms cost the global economy by 2035?
According to a report from Mission Space, annualized losses from solar storms are projected to reach $44.27B by 2035, up from $20.65B in 2026.
Which sector faces the highest financial exposure from space weather?
Power grids remain the most exposed sector, accounting for $12.88B in potential losses in 2026 and growing to $18.03B by 2035.
Why are space weather losses increasing so rapidly?
The growth is driven by a massive increase in exposed space assets, including a higher volume of satellites and commercial infrastructure operating in orbit where they are vulnerable to solar radiation.
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