Developing an Electron Density Profiler over Europe Based on Space Radio Occultation Measurements

This paper presents the development of an Artificial Neural Network electron density profiler based on electron density profiles collected from radio occultation (RO) measurements from LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites to improve the spatial and temporal modeling of ionospheric electron density over Europe. The significance in the accurate determination of the electron density profile lies on the fact that the electron density at each altitude in the ionosphere determines the refraction index for radiowaves that are reflected by or penetrate the ionosphere and therefore introduces significant effects on signals (navigation and communication). In particular it represents a key driver for total electron content model development necessary for correcting ionospheric range errors in single frequency GNSS applications.