Comparison study of amplitude scintillation between GNSS and satellite beacon receivers in Thailand

Abstract

Ionospheric scintillation is caused by irregular electron density in the ionosphere. Severe ionospheric scintillation can degrade the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal quality and system performance. In low-latitude region, the phenomenon that may cause the ionospheric scintillation, called equatorial plasma bubble or EPB frequently arise. The effects of EPB on the scintillation at different frequencies and systems need to be analyzed as the study will enhance our EPB understandings. In this work, we aim to study the relationship of the amplitude scintillation index between from GNSS and satellites beacon receivers at KMITL, Thailand to determine the size and characteristics of EPB. The GNSS data were collected in March, April, September, and October 2021. From the analysis, the results show that during locally disturbed time, satellite beacon signals complement the GNSS signals to indicate EPB occurrences.