The US National Science Foundation (NSF) supports the implementation of the National Space Weather Action Plan (SWAP) through dedicated funding opportunities. One such initiative is the Space Weather Operations-to-Research (O2R) pilot program, which invites proposals aimed at improving space weather prediction capabilities. This program encourages collaboration between the research and operational communities by funding projects that enhance, test, or transition space weather models and data into operational use.

Prerequisites:

• Identify and build relationships with ministries likely to be using or requiring SSA, STM and Space Weather data

• Lead agency & budget

• Procurement pathway

• Partner support as needed

Cost:

• Ballpark: USD 50k–250k  

• Includes: inter-ministerial consultations and workshops, mapping of existing funding mechanisms and grant programs, financial/legal review of eligibility and access, documentation and reporting, dissemination of opportunities

Timeframe:

• Overall: 6–18 mo

• Phase: scoping & stakeholder mapping (2–4 mo), review of funding instruments & eligibility (3–6 mo), inter-ministerial alignment & reporting (3–6 mo), integration into national space programme planning (3–6 mo)

Pros:

• Budget Efficiency - Leverage existing budget to allow for efficient allocation of funds.

Considerations:

• Need for Expertise - Involve experts and relevant stakeholders, which can be time consuming.