The International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA)

Considering

• the interests of the scientific community and the benefits to society at large in monitoring with the highest accuracy and resolution the numerous components of the Earth’s magnetic field to investigate the fundamental processes and hazards affecting the Earth system, from the deep Earth to space
• the complementary nature of space-borne observations with ground observations carried out by Magnetic Observatories
• that the Earth’s magnetic field is one of the fundamental global change variables of our planet and is essential for navigation, communication systems, resource exploration, and understanding climate impacts

Acknowledging

• the extensive expertise acquired within the international scientific community in jointly analysing data from ground observatories and dedicated Low Earth Orbiting magnetic satellite missions, such as Oersted, CHAMP, Swarm and Macau Scientific Satellite-1, continuously over the past 25 years
• the success of such coordinated ground-based and space observations 
• the demonstrated value of the INTERMAGNET international network in coordinating and promoting high standards for ground magnetic observations
• the ongoing development of satellites dedicated to surveying Earth’s magnetic field, such as the Macau Scientific Satellite-2 mission and the ESA Scout NanoMagSat mission which aims for low cost and high performance
• the recognized importance of ensuring open access to high-quality data products to maximize scientific return and societal benefit

Stressing

• the need for permanent long-term measurement of the magnetic field for understanding its generation, forecasting its evolution, and for space weather applications
• the possibility of further enhancing the science return and the technological applications of previous and ongoing missions through a permanently maintained coordinated fleet of satellites
• the benefit of coordinating and promoting high standards in space observations, inspired by the INTERMAGNET organization of ground observatories
• the importance of interoperability, data sharing, and open science principles to ensure that magnetic field measurements can be widely used for both research and applied purposes

Urges

• international and national institutions, agencies and governmental bodies in charge of Earth and space science research to support long-term collaborative efforts for coordinating new Low-Earth-Orbit satellite missions measuring the Earth’s magnetic field, promoting the international sharing of best practices, and ensuring open data access and interoperability, in response to the critical need for sustained and improved global observations.