Space Weather Impacts on Railway Systems

Railways rely on interdependent systems for power, navigation, communications, and signalling, many of which are at risk of being impacted by space weather. Understanding how and to what extent space weather can impact these systems is crucial to maintaining the safe and reliable operation of railway networks.

Power supply disruption would leave trains on electrified lines stranded and can disrupt signalling operations, while geomagnetically induced currents introduced into the AC-electrified overhead line equipment can affect locomotive on-board transformers. GNSS disturbances can interfere with high-speed trains’ tilt control systems, limiting their speed and leading to delays. Loss of service of GSM-R (Global System for Mobile Communications Railway), which is used for communications and is an integral part of the advanced ETCS (European Train Control System), would impact operations. DC track circuit signalling systems on AC-electrified lines are susceptible to interference from geomagnetically induced currents which can lead to incorrect signals, causing delays or, in the worst case, collisions.

This presentation aims to provide an overview on our understanding of space weather impacts on railway systems, highlight recent work and identify potential avenues for future study.