Air Force Ionospheric Measuring System Supports Global Monitoring and Mitigation of Effects on AF Systems

Gregory Bishop, Daniel Eyring, Kevin Scro, Sue Deissner, Devin Della-Rose, William Cade, Nick Ceaglio, Matt Colello

Abstract:	Air Force space surveillance, satellite control, missile wig, and satellite-based communication systems experience various effects as their radio signals pass through the ionosphere. To assure that these systems can maintain real-time knowledge of these effects and continue to operate over all conditions, the Air Force Space Forecast Center (AFSFC), supported by Phillips Laboratory (PL), operates global, real-time models of the ionosphere, supported by networks of ground-based and satellite sensors. AFSFC applies these models to generate real-time forecast products to support numerous Al? systems. Air Weather Service (AWS) and Sacramento Air Logistics Center (SM-ALC) are now adding a new ground-based network to AFSFC’s real-time input: a GPS-based Ionospheric Measuring System (IMS), designated: AN/GMQ-35, (formerly referred to as the Trans-Ionospheric Sensing System [TISS]). Each IMS station will measure ionospheric content (pseudorange error) on up to eleven satellites simultaneously, and transmit reports to AFSFC every 15 minutes. This paper reviews the implementation of IMS, as developed by Draper Laboratory, and outline IMS coverage and capability. The relevant ionospheric effects important to Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) systems are described, as well as AFSFC present and titture support products to these AFSPC systems. Operational and product improvement support to IMS by SM-ALC and PL is also outlined. Such improvements include: implementation of Precise Positioning System (PPS) capability which will enhance IMS’ dynamic range, improving operation in disturbed ionospheric fegions and magnetic storms, coverage extension to 1500 km radius, and addition of capability to monitor ionospheric scintillation (amplitude and phase noise).
Published in:	Proceedings of the 7th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1994) September 20 - 23, 1994 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	1643 - 1651
Cite this article:	Bishop, Gregory, Eyring, Daniel, Scro, Kevin, Deissner, Sue, Della-Rose, Devin, Cade, William, Ceaglio, Nick, Colello, Matt, "Air Force Ionospheric Measuring System Supports Global Monitoring and Mitigation of Effects on AF Systems," Proceedings of the 7th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1994), Salt Lake City, UT, September 1994, pp. 1643-1651.
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