The Research Foundation for Heliophysics and Space Weather

The Research Foundation for Heliophysics and Space Weather

We safeguard humanity’s first line of knowledge against space weather threats

We safeguard humanity’s first line of knowledge against space weather threats

Our Mission

Our Mission

Our Mission

The HelioArc Foundation is a nonprofit organization* dedicated to advancing Heliophysics and improving space weather forecasting through private funds. Our mission is to raise Awareness about the risks of living around a magnetically active star and to strengthen Resilience in Communities exposed to these hazards. This "ARC of impact" guides our action and is reflected in our name.

Our Vision

We believe in a future where humanity’s lasting presence beyond Earth is protected by a strong, innovative and resilient space industry, where public and private actors work in concert to amplify each other’s missions through sustained scientific research for the benefit of society. In this vision, Heliophysics plays a central role: deepening our understanding of the Sun’s influence on geospace and helping to mitigate the growing space weather threats posed by humanity’s expansion into deep space.

The HelioArc Foundation is a nonprofit organization* dedicated to advancing Heliophysics and improving space weather forecasting through private funds. Our mission is to raise Awareness about the risks of living around a magnetically active star and to strengthen Resilience in Communities exposed to these hazards. This "ARC of impact" guides our action and is reflected in our name.

Our Vision

We believe in a future where humanity’s lasting presence beyond Earth is protected by a strong, innovative and resilient space industry, where public and private actors work in concert to amplify each other’s missions through sustained scientific research for the benefit of society. In this vision, Heliophysics plays a central role: deepening our understanding of the Sun’s influence on geospace and helping to mitigate the growing space weather threats posed by humanity’s expansion into deep space.

Since the dawn of time, humanity has always gazed at the stars to look for answers, to measure time, to navigate, or just to contemplate these mysterious beacons of light.

The Sun is our nearest star, powered by thermonuclear reactions at its core. It is also magnetically active, and often erupts violently. Heliophysics studies its impact on Earth, the solar system, and humanity. It helps us understand solar energetic events like solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other eruptive events.

These dynamic conditions that impact Earth and geospace are known as “space weather”. While it is the cause of beautiful auroras, it can also knock out satellites, GPS, radio communications, power grids, and even endanger astronauts.

Humanity has always gazed at the stars to look for answers, to measure time, to navigate, to contemplate.

The Sun is our nearest star, Earth’s primary source of light, our elemental source of life. It is also magnetically active, and very hot, which means it often erupts.

Heliophysics studies its impact on Earth, the solar system and humanity. It helps us understand solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other eruptive events.

These dynamic conditions driven by solar activity that impact Earth and geospace are known as “space weather”. While it is the cause of beautiful auroras, it can also knock out satellites, GPS, radio communications, power grids, and even endanger astronauts and U.S. armed forces.

Since the dawn of time, humanity has always gazed at the stars to look for answers, to measure time, to navigate, or just to contemplate these mysterious beacons of light.

The Sun is our nearest star, powered by thermonuclear reactions at its core. It is also magnetically active, and often erupts violently. Heliophysics studies its impact on Earth, the solar system, and humanity. It helps us understand solar energetic events like solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and other eruptive events.

These dynamic conditions that impact Earth and geospace are known as “space weather”. While it is the cause of beautiful auroras, it can also knock out satellites, GPS, radio communications, power grids, and even endanger astronauts.

A new funding model for Heliophysics

Supporting the explorers of our heliosphere

A new funding model for Heliophysics

Supporting the explorers of our heliosphere

A new funding model for Heliophysics

Supporting the explorers of our heliosphere

At HelioArc, we believe that Heliophysics thrives when it is driven by human curiosity, real-world relevance, and a commitment to lasting societal benefit. To fully realize its potential, this field needs visionary partners. Our mission to safeguard and advance humanity’s understanding of the Sun calls for long-term private support that amplifies the impact of publicly funded science and helps ensure its continuity in times of uncertainty.

At HelioArc, we believe that Heliophysics thrives when it is driven by human curiosity, real-world relevance, and a commitment to lasting societal benefit. To fully realize its potential, this field needs visionary partners. Our mission to safeguard and advance humanity’s understanding of the Sun calls for long-term private support that amplifies the impact of publicly funded science and helps ensure its continuity in times of uncertainty.

Resilience

Communities

Awareness

A

wareness

We believe that informed awareness is the first step toward preparedness. We support leading Heliophysics research to inform on the hidden risks of space weather that begins with the Sun but reaches all the way to Earth.

R

esilience

From satellite operations, to astronaut safety and power grid reliability, we invest in the science that protects critical systems—and ultimately our investment in the New Space—from solar disruption.

C

ommunities

Heliophysics does not live in isolation, it serves people. Our ecosystem made of scientists, educators, and students who study the Sun are equipped to serve those living under its influence.

Resilience

Communities

Awareness

A

wareness

We believe that informed awareness is the first step toward preparedness. We support leading Heliophysics research to inform on the hidden risks of space weather that begins with the Sun but reaches all the way to Earth.

R

esilience

From satellite operations, to astronaut safety and power grid reliability, we invest in the science that protects critical systems—and ultimately our investment in the New Space—from solar disruption.

C

ommunities

Heliophysics does not live in isolation, it serves people. Our ecosystem made of scientists, educators, and students who study the Sun are equipped to serve those living under its influence.

Resilience

Communities

Awareness

A

wareness

We believe that informed awareness is the first step toward preparedness. We support leading Heliophysics research to inform on the hidden risks of space weather that begins with the Sun but reaches all the way to Earth.

R

esilience

From satellite operations, to astronaut safety and power grid reliability, we invest in the science that protects critical systems—and ultimately our investment in the New Space—from solar disruption.

C

ommunities

Heliophysics does not live in isolation, it serves people. Our ecosystem made of scientists, educators, and students who study the Sun are equipped to serve those living under its influence.

Who we are

The people behind the mission

Who we are

The people behind the mission

Who we are

The people behind the mission

The HelioArc Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose collective experience spans decades at the forefront of solar and space physics. Our directors are active leaders at premier scientific institutions and contribute to missions and programs that support NASA, NOAA, and international research efforts. Each board member is a globally recognized authority in solar and space science, whose work continues to shape our understanding of the Sun and its impact on geospace and space weather. This rare convergence of scientific expertise, institutional leadership, and deep personal commitment gives HelioArc its strength. For us, the Sun is a driving force embedded in who we are. That connection keeps our mission tightly aligned with the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

The HelioArc Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose collective experience spans decades at the forefront of solar and space physics. Our directors are active leaders at premier scientific institutions and contribute to missions and programs that support NASA, NOAA, and international research efforts. Each board member is a globally recognized authority in solar and space science, whose work continues to shape our understanding of the Sun and its impact on geospace and space weather. This rare convergence of scientific expertise, institutional leadership, and deep personal commitment gives HelioArc its strength. For us, the Sun is a driving force embedded in who we are. That connection keeps our mission tightly aligned with the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

Raphael Attié, PhD

Heliophysicist

Founder, President & Board Chair

Raphael Attié, PhD

Heliophysicist

Founder, President & Board Chair

Raphael Attié, PhD

Heliophysicist

Founder, President & Board Chair

Cynthia López-Portela, PhD

Space Physicist

Treasurer

Cynthia López-Portela, PhD

Space Physicist

Treasurer

Cynthia López-Portela, PhD

Space Physicist

Treasurer

Chadi Salem, PhD

Space Physicist

Vice President

Chadi Salem, PhD

Space Physicist

Vice President

Chadi Salem, PhD

Space Physicist

Vice President

Florian Gautier, PhD

Instrument Scientist

Secretary

Florian Gautier, PhD

Instrument Scientist

Secretary

Florian Gautier, PhD

Instrument Scientist

Secretary

Contact

We'd love to hear from you

Contact

We'd love to hear from you

Contact

We'd love to hear from you

Whether you're a scientist, a sponsor, or simply passionate about space, feel free to reach out. We’re always open to meaningful conversations.

Whether you're a scientist, a sponsor, or simply passionate about space, feel free to reach out. We’re always open to meaningful conversations.

© 2025 The HelioArc Foundation, Inc.

*501(c)(3) tax-exempt status pending IRS approval

© 2025 The HelioArc Foundation, Inc.

*501(c)(3) tax-exempt status pending IRS approval

© 2025 The HelioArc Foundation, Inc.

*501(c)(3) tax-exempt status pending IRS approval