The Solar Terrestrial Observatory

Based on Spacelab/Shuttle missions plans for a permanently manned Solar Terrestrial Observatory are outlined for low earth orbit, whose primary function will be to measure sun-induced phenomena on earth, e.g., atmospheric and magnetospheric dynamics. Attention is given to the study of magnetospheric storms, and their interaction with the lower atmosphere. Eventually, a geosynchronous solar observatory is foreseen, which will be able to measure atmospheric changes continuously, uninterrupted by breaks caused by a 90 minute orbital period.