Estimation of Galileo like ionosphere coefficients using IRNSS data for equatorial region

The objective of this paper is to explore the use of Galileo ionosphere model for Indian Regional Navigation Satellite system (IRNSS) L5 frequency users to provide better ionosphere error correction. In this direction, we have proposed an algorithm to estimate Galileo-type ionosphere coefficients using IRNSS reference receivers' data which can be broadcasted for IRNSS L5 frequency users. The performance evaluation of the proposed method is carried out with the existing minimum root mean square (MRMS) method of computing coefficients for IRNSS measurements. A rigorous statistical analysis shows that the slant delay determined using proposed method provides better ionosphere error correction with root mean square difference varies from 1.2 to 1.7 m than MRMS method with respect to IRNSS measurements. Our results show that the error difference between delay from IRNSS and proposed method is least than MRMS method and method using solar radio flux as an input.