Post-sunset Scintillation on NavIC Signals during Equinoctial Periods of 2021-2022

Abstract

Ionospheric scintillation is a major threat to the trans-ionospheric communication/ navigation links causing data loss, cycle slip, loss of lock in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, and degradation/ disruption in navigation quality. GNSS and NavIC signals have been used for the study of the ionosphere by researchers and NavIC signals offer definite advantages for ionospheric research from India. This study presents the results of moderate to intense post-sunset scintillation cases during the autumn equinox of 2021 and vernal equinox 2022 at NavIC signals in the L5 band and S-band. In October 2021, moderate scintillation is observed in the L5 signal only on more than one NavIC satellite links. In March 2022, moderate to intense scintillation is observed in the L5 signal compared to the moderate scintillation observed in the S-Band. The results would be useful in understanding the advantages of the S-band for navigation applications.