Observation and real-time analysis of space weather effects on GNSS through GNSS measurements

Kurzfassung

Space weather can significantly affect satellite-based navigation services, leading to increased risks to safety and economic losses. Radio signals used by global navigation satellite services (GNSS) are, for example, influenced during propagation through the ionosphere. Therefore, GNSS-based navigation services used in aviation can be affected by ionospheric disturbances, limiting safety and efficiency. Operators of such critical infrastructure are increasingly aware that extreme space weather events can have severe impacts on their systems. Therefore, since 2019, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has been operating global space weather centers with the goal of providing real-time information and forecasts to aviation users. In the presentation we will provide past and current examples of space weather impact on navigation services used in aviation. We will also show how ground- and spacebased GNSS data, combined with appropriate models, can provide unique information about the ionosphere and its impact on navigation services. In addition, we will discuss existing real-time products and new developments in terms of their potential to mitigate the effects of space weather on aviation. Finally, we will use the available information to assess the current space weather situation as we approach the 25th cycle solar maximum.