Dublin-based space technology firm Skytek has launched a new weather division to monitor solar storms and other threats.

The new division will provide both consultancy and research in the area of space weather to help companies manage the many threats posed by phenomena such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These can potentially damage power grids, ground aircraft and destroy satellite navigation equipment.

"Weather conditions in space can wreak havoc on earth in the same way as hurricanes and tornadoes can damage physical infrastructure but we do not have the same understanding of them. A solar flare has the potential to knock out vital infrastructure and we are now experiencing more regular and furious magnetic eruptions from the sun," said Skytek's chief executive Dr Sarah Bourke.

The announcement of the new weather division was made to a leading group of astronauts, scientists and academics at an event in Trinity College as part of a week-long International Space Station (ISS) meeting in Dublin hosted by Skytek.

The working group, which includes representatives from Nasa and the European Space Agency (ESA), will be discussing future technical requirements for the International Space Station.

Skytek is one of Ireland's leading space tech firms and was recently shortlised for the ESA International Space Station award for Achievement. Established in 1997, its International Procedure Viewer (iPV) system has assisted astronauts on board the ISS for nearly 10 years.

SkyTek has also developed tools for the aircraft maintenance, security and emergency response industries.