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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1976

Short-period fluctuations in total columnar electron content

Small sinusoidal fluctuations in the total columnar electron content of the atmosphere were found in recordings of the carrier phase of radio signals from ATS 6 received at Bozeman (Montana), Boulder (Colorado) and Dallas (Texas). Four such events are examined. A large latitudinal gradient in total electron content was found from Bozeman to Boulder. The sinusoidal oscillations have periods of 30 to 50 sec and may continue for several hours on magnetically quiet days. There is evidence that they are associated with micropulsations at ground and geostationary heights.

Davies, K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A comparison of mapped and measured total ionospheric electron content using global positioning system and beacon satellite observations

Total ionospheric electron contents (TEC) were measured by global positioning system (GPS) dual-frequency receivers developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The measurements included P-code (precise ranging code) and carrier phase data for six GPS satellites during multiple five-hour observing sessions. A set of these GPS TEC measurements were mapped from the GPS lines of sight to the line of sight of a Faraday beacon satellite by statistically fitting the TEC data to a simple model of the ionosphere. The mapped GPS TEC values were compared with the Faraday rotation measurements. Because GPS transmitter offsets are different for each satellite and because some GPS receiver offsets were uncalibrated, the sums of the satellite and receiver offsets were estimated simultaneously with the TEC in a least squares procedure. The accuracy of this estimation procedure is evaluated indicating that the error of the GPS-determined line of sight TEC can be at or below 1 x 10 to the 16th el/sq cm. Consequently, the current level of accuracy is comparable to the Faraday rotation technique; however, GPS provides superior sky coverage.

Lanyi, Gabor E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Estimating Electron Content Of The Ionosphere

Method for estimation total electron content of ionosphere. Based on measurements of signals transmitted from global positioning satellites (GPS's). Ionospheric delays obtained by measuring differential arrival times of signals at two different frequencies. Since GPS observations cover certain regions of sky, location of space probe to be calibrated might not overlap GPS field of view. Certain assumptions made about behavior of ionosphere so total electron content estimated in any direction from receiver.

Lanyi, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Total ionospheric electron content calibration using SERIES GPS satellite data

The current status of the Deep Space Network advanced systems research into ionospheric calibration techniques, based on Global Positioning System (GPS) data is described. A GPS-based calibration system is planned to replace the currently used Faraday rotation method by 1989. The SERIES receiver system determines the differential group delay of signals transmitted at two different carrier frequencies. This differential delay includes an ionospheric component and a GPS transmitter offset. The transmitter offsets are different for each GPS satellite. Tests were conducted to assess the effect of the offsets on the ionospheric calibration accuracy. From the obtained data, the total electron content and GPS transmitter offsets are calculated by a least squares estimation method employing a local model of total ionospheric electron content. The end product is an estimation of the total ionospheric content for an arbitrary line-of-sight direction. For the presented polynomial fitting technique, the systematic error due to mismodeling is estimated to be approximately 6 x 10 to the 16th power el/sq m, while the formal error is approximately 2 x 10 to the 16th power el/sq m. The final goal is an error of 3 x 10 to the 16th power el/sq m (approximately 0.7 ns at 2.3 GHz).

Lanyi, G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Ionospheric electron content prediction from SERIES/GPS data

Total electron contents along arbitrary lines-of-sight are derived from dual band SERIES P-code data. At present, in a normal observing session, five Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) can be observed for a time interval of 5 h. A SERIES observing session consists of about 300 line-of-sight measurements. Transmitter offsets are different for each satellite and no reliable a priori data can be obtained at present. The electron content and the satellite offsets are estimated simultaneously by a least squares procedure using a simple empirical model. The present accuracy of this technique is estimated to be 6 x 10 to the 16th el/sq m. The results are compared with Faraday rotation measurements. The method may be used for local or global ionospheric content monitoring.

Lanyi, Gabor↗
NASA NTRS1973

Ionospheric effects on one-way timing signals

A proposed navigation concept requires that a user measure the time-delay that satellite-emitted signals experience in traversing the distance between satellite and user. Simultaneous measurement of the propagation time from four different satellites permits the user to determine his position and clock bias if satellite ephemerides and signal propagation velocity are known. A pulse propagating through the ionosphere is slowed down somewhat, giving an apparent range that is larger than the equivalent free space range. The difference between the apparent range and the true range, or the free space velocity and the true velocity, is the quantity of interest. This quantity is directly proportional to the total electron content along the path of the propagating signal. Thus, if the total electron content is known, or is measured, a perfect correction to ranging could be performed. Faraday polarization measurements are continuously being taken at Fort Monmouth, N. J., using beacon emissions of the ATS-3 (137.35 MHz) satellite. Day-to-day variability of the diurnal variation of total electron content values is present with differences of up to 50% or more not being uncommon. In addition, superposed on the overall diurnal variation are smaller scale variations of approximately 5 to 10% of the total content which are attributed to ionospheric density irregularities.

Soicher, H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Detection of traveling ionospheric disturbances induced by atmospheric gravity waves using the global positioning system

Natural and man-made events like earthquakes and nuclear explosions launch atmospheric gravity waves (AGW) into the atmosphere. Since the particle density decreases exponentially with height, the gravity waves increase exponentially in amplitude as they propagate toward the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. As atmospheric gravity waves approach the ionospheric heights, the neutral particles carried by gravity waves collide with electrons and ions, setting these particles in motion. This motion of charged particles manifests itself by wave-like fluctuations and disturbances that are known as traveling ionospheric disturbances (TID). The perturbation in the total electron content due to TID's is derived analytically from first principles. Using the tilted dipole magnetic field approximation and a Chapman layer distribution for the electron density, the variations of the total electron content versus the line-of-sight direction are numerically analyzed. The temporal variation associated with the total electron content measurements due to AGW's can be used as a means of detecting characteristics of the gravity waves. As an example, detection of tsunami generated earthquakes from their associated atmospheric gravity waves using the Global Positioning System is simulated.

Bassiri, Sassan↗
NASA NTRS2012

Addressing the Influence of Space Weather on Airline Navigation

The advent of satellite-based augmentation systems has made it possible to navigate aircraft safely using radio signals emitted by global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as the Global Positioning System. As a signal propagates through the earth's ionosphere, it suffers delay that is proportional to the total electron content encountered along the raypath. Since the magnitude of this total electron content is strongly influenced by space weather, the safety and reliability of GNSS for airline navigation requires continual monitoring of the state of the ionosphere and calibration of ionospheric delay. This paper examines the impact of space weather on GNSS-based navigation and provides an overview of how the Wide Area Augmentation System protects its users from positioning error due to ionospheric disturbances

airline navigation↗
NASA NTRS2011

Variability of Thermosphere and Ionosphere Responses to Solar Flares

We investigated how the rise rate and decay rate of solar flares affect the thermosphere and ionosphere responses to them. Model simulations and data analysis were conducted for two flares of similar magnitude (X6.2 and X5.4) that had the same location on the solar limb, but the X6.2 flare had longer rise and decay times. Simulated total electron content (TEC) enhancements from the X6.2 and X5.4 flares were 6 total electron content units (TECU) and approximately 2 TECU, and the simulated neutral density enhancements were approximately 15% -20% and approximately 5%, respectively, in reasonable agreement with observations. Additional model simulations showed that for idealized flares with the same magnitude and location, the thermosphere and ionosphere responses changed significantly as a function of rise and decay rates. The Neupert Effect, which predicts that a faster flare rise rate leads to a larger EUV enhancement during the impulsive phase, caused a larger maximum ion production enhancement. In addition, model simulations showed that increased E x B plasma transport due to conductivity increases during the flares caused a significant equatorial anomaly feature in the electron density enhancement in the F region but a relatively weaker equatorial anomaly feature in TEC enhancement, owing to dominant contributions by photochemical production and loss processes. The latitude dependence of the thermosphere response correlated well with the solar zenith angle effect, whereas the latitude dependence of the ionosphere response was more complex, owing to plasma transport and the winter anomaly.

Qian, Liying↗
NASA NTRS1972

Ionosphere total electron measurements as extracted from satellite tracking data

The Goddard Range and Range Rate System (GRARR) determines the range of a spacecraft by measuring the group delay of a modulated wave and the range rate by measuring the Doppler phase shift of the carrier. An analytical technique is presented for obtaining corrections and equivalent total electron content along the vertical, using VHF GRARR data and a radial model of the ionosphere. The results of computation for a representative pass are given, and estimated accuracy is discussed from a statistical view point. Using VHF GRARR data and a radial model of the ionosphere. The results of computation for a representative pass are given, and estimated accuracy is discussed from a statistical view point. Using GRARR range, range rate, and angle tracking data from Explorer 41, values of total electron content on the order of 10 to the 17th to 10 to the 18th power (electrons/sq m) were obtained. These values agree with estimates of the total electron content from ionospheric profiles using f sub o F sub 2 predict data.

Murray, C. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Tracking Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) VHF propagation study

A study performed to investigate the use of the Bent Ionospheric Model in computing corrections to the range and range rate measurements of the TDRSS satellites is documented. Several orbital configurations between the two satellites are discussed as to their effects on total electron content along the radio path between the satellites. Problem areas in the accurate computation of total electron content and range rate corrections are also discussed. The Bent Ionospheric Model gives the electron density versus height profile as a function of latitude, longitude, height, time, season, and solar flux.

Schleicher, L. A. H.↗
NASA NTRS1977

A comparison of several methods of estimating the columnar electron content of the plasmasphere

Data from several different observation techniques are used to estimate the columnar electron content of the plasmasphere. The estimate is based upon the subtraction of the ionospheric electron content from the total content along the radio path from ground to the geostationary satellite ATS-6. The Radio Beacon Experiment on this satellite allows a very accurate determination of the total electron content up to the height of the satellite. For the ionospheric electron content (ground to appr. 2000 km) the following techniques are used: (1) Faraday effect on the ATS-6 signals, (2) differential Doppler effect on the signals of the low-orbiting NNSS satellites, (3) combination of bottomside and topside ionograms, and (4) extrapolation of bottomside ionograms. It is shown that the combination of group delay and Faraday effect data on the ATS-6 RBE signals provide the most reliable estimates of the columnar electron content of the plasmasphere. Data from low-orbiting satellites support this conclusion.

Davies, K.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Near Space Tracking of the EM Phenomena Associated with the Main Earthquakes

Searching for electromagnetic (EM) phenomena originating in the Earth's crust prior to major earthquakes (M>5) are the object of this exploratory study. We present the idea of a possible relationship between: (1) electro-chemical and thermodynamic processes in the Earth's crust and (2) ionic enhancement of the atmosphere/ionosphere with tectonic stress and earthquake activity. The major source of these signals are proposed to originate from electromagnetic phenomenon which are responsible for these observed pre-seismic processes, such as, enhanced IR emission, also born as thermal anomalies, generation of long wave radiation, light emission caused by ground-to-air electric discharges, Total Electron Content (TEC) ionospheric anomalies and ionospheric plasma variations. The source of these data will include: (i) ionospheric plasma perturbations data from the recently launched DEMETER mission and currently available TEC/GPS network data; (ii) geomagnetic data from ORSTED and CHAMP; (iii) Thermal infra-red (TIR) transients mapped by the polar orbiting (NOAA/AVHRR, MODIS) and (iv) geosynchronous weather satellites measurements of GOES, METEOSAT. This approach requires continues observations and data collecting, in addition to both ground and space based monitoring over selected regions in order to investigate the various techniques for recording possible anomalies. During the space campaign emphasis will be on IR emission, obtained from TIR (thermal infrared) satellites, that records land/sea surface temperature anomalies and changes in the plasma and total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere that occur over areas of potential earthquake activity.

Ouzounov, Dimitar↗
NASA NTRS1994

Ionospheric calibration for single frequency altimeter measurements

This study is a preliminary analysis of the effectiveness (in terms of altimeter calibration accuracy) of various ionosphere models and the Global Positioning System (GPS) to calibrate single frequency altimeter height measurements for ionospheric path delay. In particular, the research focused on ingesting GPS Total Electron Content (TEC) data into the physical Parameterized Real-Time Ionospheric Specification Model (PRISM), which estimates the composition of the ionosphere using independent empirical and physical models and has the capability of adjusting to additional ionospheric measurements. Two types of GPS data were used to adjust the PRISM model: GPS receiver station data mapped from line-of-sight observations to the vertical at the point of interest and a grid map (generated at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory) of GPS derived TEC in a sun-fixed longitude frame. The adjusted PRISM TEC values, as well as predictions by the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-90), a climatological (monthly mean) model of the ionosphere, were compared to TOPEX dual-frequency TEC measurements (considered as truth) for a number of TOPEX sub-satellite tracks. For a 13.6 GHz altimeter, a Total Electron Content (TEC) of 1 TECU 10(exp 16) electrons/sq m corresponds to approximately 0.218 centimeters of range delay. A maximum expected TEC (at solar maximum or during solar storms) of 10(exp 18) electrons/sq m will create 22 centimeters of range delay. Compared with the TOPEX data, the PRISM predictions were generally accurate within the TECU when the sub-satellite track of interest passed within 300 to 400 km of the GPS TEC data or when the track passed through a night-time ionosphere. If neither was the case, in particular if the track passed through a local noon ionosphere, the PRISM values differed by more than 10 TECU and by as much as 40 TECU. The IRI-90 model, with no current ability to unseat GPS data, predicted TEC to a slightly higher error of 12 TECU. The performance of PRISM is very promising for predicting TEC and will prove useful for calibrating single frequency altimeter height measurements for ionospheric path delay. When adjusted to the GPS line-of-sight data the PRISM URSI empirical model predicted TEC over a day's period to within a global error of 8.60 TECU rms during a nighttime ionosphere and 9.74 TECU rms during the day. When adjusted to the GPS derived TEC grid, the PRISM parametrized model predicted TEC to within an error of 8.47 TECU rms for a nighttime ionosphere and 12.83 TECU rms during the day. However, the grid cannot be considered globally due to the lack of sufficient numbers of GPS stations and large latitude gaps in GPS data. It is the opinion of the authors that using the PRISM model and adjusting to the global sun-fixed TEC grid regenerated with a localized weighted interpolation offers the best possibility of meeting the 10 TECU global rms (or 2 cm at 13.6 GHz) ionosphere range correction accuracy requirement of TOPEX/Poseidon and should be the subject of further study. However, it is clear that the anticipated requirement of 34 TECU global rms for TOPEX/Poseidon Follow-On (corresponding to the TOPEX/Poseidon performance) can not be met with any realizable combination of existing models and data assimilation schemes.

Schreiner, William S.↗
NASA NTRS1975

ATS-6 - Radio Beacon Experiment: The first years

The Radio Beacon Experiment aboard Applications Technology Satellite-6 (ATS-6) is designed to measure the total electron content and the ionospheric electron content between the satellite and ground. The spaceborne beacon transmits signals on frequencies of 40, 140, and 360 MHz with amplitude modulations of 1 MHz and/or 0.1 MHz for the measurement of modulation phase, Faraday rotation, and amplitude. The modulation phase delays are calibrated in the satellite and in the ground equipment, and the polarization of the emitted signals are predetermined by standard antenna range techniques. The design of the ATS-6 receiver in Boulder, Colorado, is discussed. The antennae are of the short backfire type described by Ehrenspeck (1967), with nominal gains of 13, 19, and 22 dB at 40, 140, and 360 MHz, respectively. Data recording and overall supervision of the receiver is carried out by a 16-bit minicomputer with 8 k of memory. Overall performance of the system is satisfactory. Sample data on the monthly median hourly values of the total electron content, plasmospheric content, and shape factor show distinct seasonal and diurnal variations.

Davies, K.↗