Protecting GPS from solar storms

Storms on the surface of the sun can result in the earth being bombarded by powerful radiation.

These solar events can cause major problems for Global Positioning Systems (GPS), affecting:

• aircraft landing systems
• the national grid
• internet banking
• mobile phones.

The University runs a network of GPS scintillation receivers located across Earth, which provide information about signal loss and fading.

In the Arctic and the Antarctic - where the geomagnetic field is near-vertical - the upper atmosphere is exposed to solar radiation continuously, whereas lower latitudes such as the UK are only exposed during the most extreme solar storms.

Studying the polar regions allows us to understand the physical interactions underlying the processes disturbing GPS signals.

Multi-Instrument Data Analysis

Our team of more than 20 researchers, led by Professor Cathryn Mitchell from the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, has developed the Multi-Instrument Data Analysis System (MIDAS) software: an advanced algorithm for the real-time imaging of the earth’s ionosphere.

By studying images of the ionosphere during solar events, the researchers can warn of the effects and correct for GPS errors.

The development of MIDAS has allowed for more accurate GPS timing and real time positioning. This has led to improvements in the ability of GPS technology to withstand space weather.

The result is a reduction in the effects it has on our infrastructure and services.

The researchers have developed a real-time service based on MIDAS technology, and are now demonstrating and promoting it to potential industry users.

Watch our video about improving the accuracy of GPS

 

Space research at Bath

Space plays an essential role in our daily lives. Research in this field carried out at the University is broad and includes:

• establishing an understanding of space weather conditions and their impact on GPS
• the large-scale measurement of components used in the development of communications satellites.