Developing Sky Plots of Rocket Launches from GPS Scintillation Data

Sky plots displaying GPS satellite and rocket launch trajectories are developed to determine the spatial correlation between satellites that display ionospheric scintillations and heavy thrust-producing rockets. The trajectories of prior major Falcon Heavy and Artemis 1 rocket launches are considered. The 11/1/2022 Falcon Heavy launch is used within this study. Python code is utilized to compute and plot Ionospheric Pierce Point (IPP) coordinates which are then used to produce satellite trajectories from the receiver\u27s point of view. Rocket latitude, longitude, and altitude data is integrated within the code to provide extensive detail into the location of the rocket in relation to GPS satellites that displayed scintillations from prior high-rate data collected during launch time. The corresponding plots show scintillation-displaying GPS satellites to be in close latitudinal and longitudinal proximity to the rocket trajectory. The spatial proximity of such satellites indicates that major rocket launches can incur disruptions in the signals of local satellites

Observations and Modeling of Scintillation in the Vicinity of a Polar Cap Patch

Small-scale ionospheric plasma structures can cause scintillation in radio signals passing through the ionosphere. The relationship between the scintillated signal and how plasma structuring develops is complex. We model the development of small-scale plasma structuring in and around an idealized polar cap patch observed by the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radars (RISR) with the Geospace Environment Model for Ion-Neutral Interactions (GEMINI). Then, we simulate a signal passing through the resulting small-scale structuring with the Satellite-beacon Ionospheric scintillation Global Model of the upper Atmosphere (SIGMA) to predict the scintillation characteristics that will be observed by a ground receiver at different stages of instability development. Finally, we compare the predicted signal characteristics with actual observations of scintillation from ground receivers in the vicinity of Resolute Bay. We interpret the results in terms of the nature of the small-scale plasma structuring in the ionosphere and how it impacts signals of different frequencies, and attempt to infer information about the ionospheric plasma irregularity spectrum

Investigation into Geomagnetic storms and ionospheric scintillation

Understanding how space weather phenomenon affects daily life has been a main focus of space weather studies. In particular, identifying the relationship between solar activities, ionospheric irregularities and consequently ionospheric scintillation has inspired numerous research efforts. Geomagnetic storms fueled by solar activities cause ionospheric irregularities. Ionospheric scintillation occurs when radio signals travel through these irregularities and experience rapid fluctuations in radio signal phase and amplitude. Such fluctuations have great consequences in radio wave based technology such as the Global Position system(GPS) as it causes a loss of lock. Therefore, through the implantation of two GPS Receivers, continuous data was obtained on phase and amplitude of radio signals from the Global Navigation Satellite Systems(GNSS). This data was then thoroughly analyzed to identify scintillation signatures. On January 31st, 2019, scintillation signatures that correlated to a G1 minor geomagnetic storm were observed. In this paper, the method of analysis is adapted from the aforementioned case study to identify past geomagnetic events that possibly correlated with observed scintillation. Through this study, it is hoped that a correlation between geomagnetic storms and ionospheric scintillation in the mid-latitude region will be highlighted

Observations and modeling of scintillation in the vicinity of a polar cap patch

Small-scale ionospheric plasma structures can cause scintillation in radio signals passing through the ionosphere. The relationship between the scintillated signal and how plasma structuring develops is complex. We model the development of small-scale plasma structuring in and around an idealized polar cap patch observed by the Resolute Bay Incoherent Scatter Radars (RISR) with the Geospace Environment Model for Ion-Neutral Interactions (GEMINI). Then, we simulate a signal passing through the resulting small-scale structuring with the Satellite-beacon Ionospheric-scintillation Global Model of the upper Atmosphere (SIGMA) to predict the scintillation characteristics that will be observed by a ground receiver at different stages of instability development. Finally, we compare the predicted signal characteristics with actual observations of scintillation from ground receivers in the vicinity of Resolute Bay. We interpret the results in terms of the nature of the small-scale plasma structuring in the ionosphere and how it impacts signals of different frequencies and attempt to infer information about the ionospheric plasma irregularity spectrum

An Investigation Into the Relationship Between Lightning and GNSS Signal Disturbances in Daytona Beach, FL

Ionospheric scintillations can affect the Global Navigation Satellite System’s (GNSS) signals by disrupting the radio waves as they travel through the upper atmosphere. Space weather events are known to cause variations in the total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere in high and low latitude regions, leading to these scintillations. However, the extent to which these scintillations occur in the mid-latitude region and their causes is under-examined. The goal of our research is to better analyze disruptions to ground-based receivers and GNSS signals by determining whether lightning strikes cause ionospheric scintillations and other interferences with GNSS satellites. As the lightning capital of the world, Florida is an ideal place to record a large data set of thunderstorms. Using high rate (50Hz) multi constellation GNSS receivers at Daytona Beach, FL on the Embry-Riddle University campus, we parse and filter the scintillation data to obtain signal phase and amplitude fluctuations that are coincident with thunderstorms. For finding spatial correlation we compare ionospheric pierce points (IPP) of the satellites on which we observed fluctuations with a data set of lightning strikes and their coordinates, type, and peak current. After analysis of approx. 185+ hours of thunderstorm data, we have observed power drops which are most likely interference at the receiver end associated with lightning. We observed drops in the power of GNSS data on almost all visible satellite signals during the thunderstorms and we are further investigating anomalous peaks/ drops in power which are not visible on all available satellites--possibly related to more localized events. If a direct relationship is found between thunderstorms and scintillation, it would provide a better understanding of tropospheric effects on the ionosphere, besides assisting in improving the reliability of GPS receivers