The National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), 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.
This collaboration marks a key milestone in strengthening the University’s capabilities in space science and in advancing joint research on space weather and indigenous navigation technologies.
The newly installed advanced GNSS receiver will continuously track critical ionospheric parameters such as Total Electron Content (TEC), ionospheric scintillation, signal degradation, loss of lock, and travelling ionospheric disturbances driven by equatorial processes, solar activity, and geomagnetic storms.
The data generated from this facility will support research in ionospheric science, space weather, geodesy, and Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) applications, while adding to India’s growing scientific strengths in satellite navigation and Earth observation.
This collaboration also opens up fresh opportunities for VIT Bhopal’s faculty members, researchers, and students to work on advanced topics in GNSS, NavIC, space weather, and geospatial technologies.
By deepening partnerships with national research organisations and expanding hands-on access to cutting edge infrastructure, the initiative is expected to significantly strengthen the University’s research ecosystem and nurture the next generation of specialists in space science and navigation.
Leadership Comment
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.”
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