Dr. Scott McIntosh Chief Scientific Officer of Lynker Space presented Longmont Rotary with an engaging look at space weather and its growing impact on modern society. He explained that space weather describes changes in the environment between the Sun and Earth, including solar radiation and eruptions that can disrupt satellites, communications, power systems and other critical infrastructure.
Dr. McIntosh highlighted decades of solar research, including a breakthrough in 2014 that helped reveal how the Sun operates and, by 2020, enabled researchers to anticipate solar activity. This work became increasingly valuable as satellite operators faced unprecedented rates of satellite de-orbiting in 2022, creating significant commercial risks.
In response, McIntosh left NCAR in 2024 to establish Lynker Space, turning scientific insight into commercial opportunities. Today, the company is pursuing both government and private-sector opportunities, with the goal of helping create a more agile space sector while better protecting critical national infrastructure.