On March 13, 1989, a geomagnetic storm collapsed Quebec's entire power grid in just 90 seconds — leaving 6 million people in the cold and dark before most of them had even woken up

Researchers are proposing an orbital defense system called *StormWall* to deflect geomagnetic storms—like the 1989 event that blacked out Quebec in 90 seconds—before they reach Earth’s power grids, pipelines, and undersea cables. Coverage highlights the vulnerability of modern infrastructure to solar-induced electric currents, with outlets like *Space Daily* and *Nautilus* emphasizing the need for proactive shielding rather than reactive repairs.

The focus is on mitigating risks to critical systems, as storms pose no direct harm to humans but can cripple metal-based infrastructure. *Hackaday* and *Zamin.uz* detail the proposed orbital shield concept, while *Windsor Star* frames the debate around whether such threats are overstated. Next steps hinge on feasibility studies and potential funding for orbital deployment.

Coverage does not yet specify timelines or participating agencies, but the urgency stems from the 1989 precedent and growing reliance on vulnerable energy networks.