VAMOSS project (Volcanic Ash Monitoring Satellite System)

The VAMOSS project (Volcanic Ash Monitoring Satellite System) was designed to give scientists and policy-makers information on the movement of volcanic ash clouds during volcanic eruptions. The ash clouds occurring during the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull in April 2010 closed airspace in over twenty countries in Northern Europe. The economic damage was estimated at $5 billion US dollars. Volcanic eruptions on a similar scale occur every few years at various locations around the world. The VAMOSS system provides worldwide coverage of volcanic ash cloud progression using three LEO satellites. During a crisis, governments and airlines can receive updated and reliable information, enabling more exact assessments regarding the level of danger to aircraft in particular areas. Determination of dangerous or forbidden flight zones can be carried out in real time, changing with the progression of the event. Rapid determination of dangerous flight zones can significantly reduce estimated economic damage. The total estimated cost for the project, including launching all three satellites into orbit, is $600 million (US). The mission duration is five years.