Ionospheric Storm and Spatial Gradient Analysis for GBAS

High ionospheric spatial gradient during ionospheric storm is most concern for the landing approach with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) augmentation systems. In case of the GBAS (Ground-Based Augmentation System), the ionospheric storm causes sudden increase of the ionospheric delay difference between a ground facility and a user (aircraft), and the aircraft position error increases significantly. Since the ionosphere behavior and the storm effect depend on geographic location, understanding the ionospheric storm behavior at specific regional area is crucial for the GNSS augmentation system development and implementation. Korea Aerospace Research Institute and collaborating universities have been developing an integrity monitoring test bed for GBAS research and for future regional augmentation system development. By using the dense GPS (Global Positioning System) networks in Korea, a regional ionosphere map is constructed for finding detailed aspect of the ionosphere variation. Preliminary analysis on the ionospheric gradient variation during a recent storm period is performed and the results are discussed.