Abstract: The spacecraft orbiting in space will be affected by space weather inevitably, while the solar explosive event is the source of space weather variations. From October 2008 on, the sun enters solar cycle 24. It is predicted that the solar maximum will arrive in 2013—2014, while the solar activity will be enhanced signi fi cantly and severe space weather events may occur. In view of spacecraft engineering, this paper introduces the common principle of the solar activity and the basic characteristics of space environment during the solar maximum, and then describes the mechanism and process of space weather events having an effect on the spacecraft, in order to comprehensively and objectively understand the possible in fl uence of the upcoming 24th solar maximum on the spacecraft.