An Optimized Solution to Long‐Distance Flight Routes Under Extreme Cosmic Radiation. Issue 12 (29th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xue, Dabin; Yang, Jian; Liu, Zhizhao; Wang, Bing
• Is Part Of: Space weather. Volume 20:Issue 12(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-11-29
• Subjects: cosmic radiation -- fuel consumption -- air traffic management -- space weather -- flight altitude assignment -- flight speed assignment; Space environment -- Periodicals; 551.509992
• DOI: 10.1029/2022SW003264
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1542-7390

Abstract

Abstract: During extraordinary space weather, cosmic radiation can be significant enough to pose a threat to aircrew health. Traditional methods of reducing massive cosmic radiation exposure include flight cancellation, lowering flying altitudes, and flight rerouting. However, flight cancellation can result in additional financial expenditures, while lowering flight altitudes and rerouting can consequently cause more fuel consumption or even violation of airspace rights. As a result, we use a multi‐objective optimization model to assign optimal flight altitude and speed to reduce the overall weighted sum of cosmic radiation and fuel consumption. The simulation scenario is based on a space weather event with dramatically increased cosmic radiation that occurs during a routine international flight from Tokyo to London. Our results show that the proposed model can reduce fuel consumption while satisfying cosmic radiation limits recommended by the Council of the European Union if the forecasts of cosmic radiation are sufficiently accurate. In addition, a Pareto frontier is provided as a tactical air traffic management guideline. Our study provides insight into future policymaking for air transportation during harsh space weather conditions. Plain Language Summary: Cosmic radiation is made up of high‐energy protons and atomic nuclei from the Sun and distant galaxies. The radiation intensity at airplane cruising altitudes and high latitudes is higher, due to reduced protection from Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field, than that at low altitude and low latitude regions. Therefore, aircrews receive more radiation considering their long‐term exposure at high altitudes. The radiation level may increase significantly during severe space weather events. Traditionally airlines may cancel flights, reroute flights, or lower flight altitudes to mitigate radiation. However, these traditional methods have drawbacks like greater financial expenditures and fuel consumption and are sometimes even infeasible from air traffic management standpoint. To control the exposure to cosmic radiation and reduce fuel consumption while keeping normal aircraft operation, we propose a multi‐objective optimization model to assign flight altitudes and speeds along a multi‐segment route. The modeling is applied to an international flight from Tokyo to London assuming a space weather event similar to the one on 20 January 2005 occurs. We demonstrate that the proposed flight routes can successfully minimize fuel consumption while satisfying cosmic radiation limit standards. This can be a valuable example for air traffic management when dealing with space weather effects. Key Points: Pilots of long‐haul flights in high latitude areas may be exposed to cosmic radiation doses higher than the European Union control standard Both cosmic radiation and fuel consumption are considered for tactical air traffic management A flexible altitude assignment approach can meet radiological protection regulations under accurate cosmic radiation forecasts