Project APVV: ESTE-NUSIDI

Project title: Numerical simulation of dispersion in the atmosphere after accidents related to re-entry and launch space events.

Project ID: VV-MVP-24-NEWPROJECT-29630

Project start: 01.02.2025

Project end: 31.12.2026

The project is funded by the Slovak Research and Development Agencybased on Contract No. VV-MVP-24-0482

 

The proposed industrial research project focuses on developing and preparing for operation the Lagrangian Particle Model (LPM) of ESTE software tool. The ESTE will simulate the transport and dispersion of radionuclides from the upper atmosphere (mesosphere) down to the Earth's surface. 

 

Specific project objectives:

 

  • The existing LPM of ESTE will be connected to the climate atmospheric data for the entire Earth.

  • Algorithms will be adjusted, upgraded, and accommodated to the physical processes relevant to the stratosphere and mesosphere.

  • The model will be optimised for real-time performance.

  • Implementation of improved LPM models and algorithms for launch pad and re-entry events. Preparation of test data based on past real-world events.

  • Final demonstration of the LPM model for calculating the concentration of chemical and radioactive pollutants in different layers of the atmosphere for launch pad and re-entry events.

 

Presentation of project outputs:

  • On October 20-21, 2025, a workshop organized by ABmerit was held in Prague at the Diplomat Hotel, intended for users of ESTE systems and experts in the field of emergency preparedness and response, or from the space industry (participants from Czech Republic - State Office for Nuclear Safety, ČEZ - Czech power company, GŘHZS - Headquarters Fire Rescue Service of CR, UJP - Institute of Nuclear Fuels, Prague, Stellar Nuclear, Ltd.; from Slovakia - ÚVZ SR - Slovak Public Health Authority, SARIO - Slovak Space Office; from Austria - IAEA, DLA piper, Bratislava, Poland - OSGE (Orlen Synthos Green Energy), Warsaw, Argentina, Brazil - IAEA, France - ArianeGroup SAS, CEA-The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, Slovenia - Institute Joseph Stefan, Ljublana).

  • More information about the workshop is available at this link