Space Research

Besides the atmospheric phenomena the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) has a strong involvement in the Earth and Space Science studies.

The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) conducts world‑class research in Earth and Space Sciences, extending from near‑Earth space to planetary environments across the Solar System. While atmospheric research forms one of FMI’s core domains, the institute has a long and distinguished history in space physics and planetary missions and technologies.

Historical Foundations

FMI’s involvement in space-related research began already in 1844, when systematic measurements of Earth’s geomagnetic field were first initiated. The earliest decades of this unique dataset, often referred to as “The Helsinki Extension”, provide some of the world’s oldest continuous observations of geomagnetic activity. Regular auroral imaging began in 1957 with the establishment of FMI’s auroral camera network. In the 1980s, the institute expanded its activities to planetary science by developing scientific instruments for space probes, launching a longstanding tradition of contributing to European and international space missions.

Solar–Terrestrial Physics and Space Weather

Today, FMI plays a key role in Europe’s efforts to understand and predict space weather, rapidly changing conditions in near‑Earth space driven by solar activity, the growing population of space debris, and occasionally near‑Earth objects. Disturbances in the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field can reshape Earth’s magnetosphere, trigger geomagnetic storms, and cause intense particle precipitation into the upper atmosphere. These processes can disrupt satellite operations and radio communications, degrade GPS accuracy, increase radiation exposure on polar flight routes, and induce harmful electrical currents in power grids and pipelines. They are also responsible for producing the aurora, the most visible manifestation of geomagnetic activity. FMI contributes essential observations, modelling capabilities, and operational services to the European space‑weather community and leads major international cooperation efforts such as the PECASUS consortium, which provides space‑weather advisories for global aviation.

Space Situational Awareness

FMI also hosts Finland’s national Space Situational Awareness Center (FSSAC), which maintains and distributes the national civil space‑situational picture. The center monitors conditions affecting satellites and space‑based services, provides alerts on potential disruptions, and coordinates the use of national observation systems. As Finland’s civil EU SST contact point, FSSAC enables international data exchange and supports authorities and critical‑infrastructure operators with timely, reliable information.

Scientific Instruments for Space Missions

FMI maintains an active programme in instrument development for planetary exploration. Sensors designed and built at the Institute—particularly those measuring atmospheric pressure, humidity, and other environmental parameters—have flown on multiple American and European missions to Mars and other bodies in the Solar System. Through these contributions, FMI advances our understanding of planetary atmospheres, surface environments, and space‑plasma interactions across diverse space environments.