Reducing Impact of Severe Space Weather on Global Positioning System (GPS) Satellite Users

Propagation Research Associates, Inc., (PRA) proposes to utilize its unique capabilities in atmospheric effects characterization and GPS signal processing to develop algorithms that nowcast ionospheric scintillation at GPS frequencies. To this end, PRA proposes to partner with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to use real-time GPS data to create a map of ionospheric scintillation parameters over the United States. These maps will be used in conjunction with a simulated software receiver to nowcast scintillation impacts on GPS devices. PRA will then design a specification product, using input from various GPS user communities, to communicate the scintillation impacts in a format that is both easily understood and allows the user to access as much or as little detail about the impacts as he or she desire. In Phase II, PRA will develop a prototype real-time nowcast product for the United States, including Alaska. PRA will also investigate using and expanded set of real-time GPA data to enlarge the nowcast to areas outside the U.S. The possibility of forecasting scintillation effects using existing SWPC nowcast and forecast software products will also be investigated.