The workshop sought to identify actions regarding the monitoring, forecasting, and mitigation of space weather-induced malfunction and damage of vital technological systems operating in space and on the ground. Space radiation effects on spacecraft microelectronic parts is a real problem for satellite operators. There is accumulating evidence that spacecraft are becoming more susceptible to space weather hazards, largely because new missions are increasingly demanding and their payloads are becoming more sophisticated. In addition, commercial pressures can result in the selection of more lightweight spacecraft and fewer radiation-hardened components that can withstand significant radiation effects.

 One of the key topics of the workshop was the influence of space weather on ground-based infrastructures, particularly on electric power systems. The ability to model and assess the implications of geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) on power grids and other land-based infrastructures has experienced significant advances in recent years. In order to quantify the impacts of severe geomagnetic storm threats to power grids, it is necessary to develop a series of integrated models that translate the disturbed space environment into specific impacts to the operation of the land-based infrastructure

A discussion was also engaged regarding the potential for interference and interruption of service of wireless communications systems due to solar radio bursts. There is no direct evidence now for solar-burst influence on existing wireless systems because of the proprietary nature of the data about system outages. Nevertheless, there have been several reported instances of an enhanced rate of dropped cell phone calls during solar bursts, and the design of current base station systems makes them vulnerable during outbursts to problems near sunrise and sunset for antennas facing in the direction of the Sun.