Drift velocity estimation of ionospheric disturbance using GPS observations

Abstract

The Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) based on the global positioning system (GPS) is used for positioning accuracy improvement of the aircraft landing. However, the ionospheric irregularity can cause irregular electron density that affects the accuracy of GBAS system. In this work, we analyze the drift velocity of ionospheric irregularity or plasma bubble phenomenon by using the correlation time of slant total electron content (STEC) from two GPS receivers that are located near Suvarnabhumi airport, Thailand. The data on September 1st, 2011 with the plasma bubble occurrence is analyzed. The result shows the drift velocity of plasma bubbles is about 108 meterspersecond (m/s).