SolarStorm Track

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Inspiration

Space weather is a silent but devastating threat to modern infrastructure by affecting satellites, GPS systems, and aviation. Inspired by how space agencies like NASA and NOAA monitor solar activity, I wanted to build a real time system that simulates what a mission control center would use to track and respond to solar storms.

What it does

SolarStorm Track is a real-time web dashboard that monitors simulated space weather events and their impact on Earth's technological systems. The app includes: -a live overview dashboard for solar wind speed, flare intensity, geomagnetic storms, and proton radiation -an interactive 3D visualization of the Sun and Earth with flowing solar wind particles, auroras, and magnetic field lines -a global impact heatmap showing affected regions and systems. -a spacecraft monitoring system that evaluates the health and risk level of satellites like ISS, JWST, and Voyager 1 a dynamic alert system that issues warnings with actionable recommendations.

How I built it

I used Next.js 15 with TypeScript for the frontend. For the 3D visuals, I used React Three Fiber (built on top of Three.js). The UI was constructed using shadcn/ui, Tailwind CSS, and Radix UI. I created custom hooks to simulate space weather data and calculate real-time spacecraft risk. All data, UI states, and system alerts refresh every 30 seconds, with full error handling and fallback states. I deployed the web app on Vercel.

Challenges I ran into

WebGL performance: Animating thousands of particles was a challenge. I optimized rendering and memory to maintain 60fps on most devices. Simulating scientific accuracy: Without real NASA APIs, I had to model realistic space weather behavior from scratch using real behaviors. Balancing UI complexity: We had to present complex scientific data in a way that was understandable and interactive. Cross-browser compatibility: Making 3D visuals accessible on all devices required fallbacks and degradation.

Accomplishments that I’m proud of

-built a fully functioning 3D mission control dashboard in the browser with real time updates and alerts -created a scientifically accurate simulation of space weather events and spacecraft vulnerability -delivered an experience that is both educational and realistic

What I learned

I deepened my understanding of space weather science and the real world impacts. I feel like I mastered advanced React and WebGL integration using React Three Fiber. I learned the importance of designing for accessibility, especially in these types of simulations.

What's next for SolarStorm Track

I think the two main things that would improve SolarStorm Track is integrating real time data from NOAA and NASA APIs and adding historical data analytics and machine learning for flare/storm predictions.

Built With

• chart.js
• next.js15
• radix
• react
• reactthreefiber
• tailwind
• three.js
• typescript