A Discussion Paper has been released by the Ionospheric Prediction Service as the first step in what could be a wide-ranging review of the service. A copy of this paper can be downloaded from the following Link Responses are required by 4th July.
The Review Terms of Reference are:
1. Review the policy basis for the Bureau's Space Weather services;
2. Provide an analysis and international benchmarking comparison of the Bureau's Space Weather services, and use of observations and infrastructure, including:
their current status;
performance and impact;
scope;
manner of delivery; and
adequacy of capabilities and resourcing to deliver the service;
3. Evaluate the extent to which the Bureau's Space Weather services meet user needs, especially those of significant user groups and high-impact users;
4. Assess the strategic outlook (over 5-10 years) for Space Weather services in Australian, regional and global settings and, in light of 1 to 3 above, provide advice on the capabilities required to meet the future challenges;
5. Comment on the potential for cost-recovery of Space Weather services;
6. Provide recommendations based on the above analyses, assessments and evaluations.
The WIA encourages radio amateurs to lodge a submission to the review, especially if they use IPS services, explaining how the free IPS service provided to Public Radio Users aids their communications activities.
their current status;