VIT Bhopal Boosts Space Research with NARL GNSS Facility
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The National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Department of Space, Government of India, has set up a GNSS receiver system at VIT Bhopal University as part of its North–South Chain for Ionosphere and Space Weather Observations under a collaborative initiative. This facility marks a key milestone in strengthening the University’s research capabilities in space science, while reinforcing collaborative research in space weather and indigenous navigation technologies at VIT Bhopal University.
The advanced GNSS receiver will enable continuous monitoring of critical ionospheric parameters, including Total Electron Content (TEC), ionospheric scintillation, signal degradation, loss of lock, and travelling ionospheric disturbances caused by equatorial processes as well as solar and geomagnetic activity. The data generated through the facility will support research in ionospheric science, space weather, geodesy, and Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) applications, while contributing to India’s expanding scientific capabilities in satellite navigation and Earth observation.
Dr. Sharad Chandra Tripathi, Senior Assistant Professor at VIT Bhopal University, who will oversee the University’s research collaboration with NARL scientists, said, “VIT Bhopal University thanks Director, NARL, for enabling this collaboration. The establishment of the GNSS receiver facility marks an important addition to our research infrastructure and reflects the institute’s commitment to advancing high-impact scientific research. This facility will enable continuous observations of the ionosphere and create opportunities for interdisciplinary research in GNSS, NavIC, and space weather, alongside providing students with exposure to real-time scientific data and strengthen collaborative research in this important domain.”
The collaboration now opens new opportunities for faculty members, researchers, and students to engage in advanced research in GNSS, NavIC, space weather, and geospatial technologies, strengthening the University’s research ecosystem and fostering future collaborations with national research organisations.
