Research on Arctic Region Augmentation using Next-generation SBAS

GNSS can be used in air and ocean routes that pass through the Arctic region, but SBAS, which is a type of augmentation system, cannot be used to ensure safe navigation. This is because the current standards of SBAS broadcast signals from geostationary orbit. Hence, those signals cannot be received in the Arctic region. In contrast, the next generation standards of SBAS will be also able to broadcast signals from inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO). This is expected to enable the use of SBAS in the Arctic region, as signals will be broadcast from mid-latitude outer space.

However, the characteristics of the Arctic environment, including those of the ionosphere, are known to significantly differ from those of Japan, where SBAS technology has been developed thus far. Therefore, an augmentation technology adapted to the environment needs to be developed for SBAS to ensure sufficient safety in the Arctic region.