Forecasting space weather effects on GNSS PNT services

The space weather effects are directly affecting the satellite signal propagation, degrading the time measurement accuracy and pseudorange determination, respectively. The factor which governs the features of signal propagation is the total electron content (TEC) the satellite signal encounters while propagating through ionized layers of the Earth's atmosphere. The TEC behavior can be observed in relation to apparently distant events originating in the Sun-Earth environment. By monitoring the space weather phenomena and occurences from the very beginning of their appearance, it is possible to detect and predict the TEC behavior and its impact on satellite signal propagation. In the proposed research, TEC behavior prediction is given regarding relevant space weather parameters which are describing solar, geomagnetic and ionospheric activity. Consequently, space weather parameters are defining satellite signal positioning environment conditions. In this way, risks and possible impact identification of space weather effects on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services performance can be identified and mitigated.