A method for estimating the total electron content in the ionosphere based on the retransmission of signals from the global navigation satellite system GPS

Objectives. The problem of developing hardware effective method for estimating the total electron content in the ionosphere based on retransmission of the L1, L2 signals of the global navigation satellite system GPS using a repeater nanosatellite is solved.Methods. It is shown that with the retransmission of L1, L2 signals at frequencies of 150/400 MHz allocated for geophysical research, a coherent multi-position radar system is formed, including navigation satellites (NS) – signal sources, repeater nanosatellite (SR) and ground receiving points (RP). The delay time and phase of the four received signals contain the information about the total TEC on the propagation paths NS – SR and SR – RP. It is shown that due to retransmission and subsequent processing, it is possible to isolate TECs on each of the propagation paths as well as determination of the coordinates of the SR.Results. The content of the method, the procedure for evaluating TEC based on the results of processing the relayed signals, and the technical requirements for the relay equipment are determined. The accuracy characteristics of the proposed method are obtained. Simulation results are given.Conclusion. The information presented in the article may be useful for specialists and researchers who interested in the issues of radio tomographic research of the ionosphere and forecasting hazardous natural phenomena.