Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32220: Tracking Twinkling Signals in Space: Studying Ionospheric Scintillation on the ISS

Have you ever seen stars twinkle in the night sky? That twinkling is caused by Earth's atmosphere distorting the light. Something similar happens to radio signals as they travel through the ionosphere—a charged layer of the upper atmosphere. This phenomenon, called scintillation, can disrupt GPS, communications, and satellite tracking.

The Scintillation Observations & Response of the Ionosphere to Electrodynamics experiment, led by Dr. Geoffrey Crowley and his team at ASTRA, explored how these disturbances behave from the vantage point of the International Space Station (ISS). With support from the University of Texas at Dallas and the Air Force Research Laboratory, the project used specialized sensors aboard the ISS during Expeditions 61/62 to collect data on ionospheric conditions.

By monitoring the changes in GPS and other satellite signals, scientists could better understand how Earth's magnetic and electric fields interact with charged particles in space. These interactions can create turbulent zones where radio signals flicker, bend, or fade—just like starlight.

One of the unique aspects of this research is its ability to observe these effects globally, thanks to the ISS’s orbital path. As the station orbits Earth every 90 minutes, it passes over regions affected by different space weather events like solar flares or geomagnetic storms.

Why is this important? Because our world depends on reliable satellite communication and navigation systems. Air travel, shipping, defense, and even smartphones rely on GPS signals that can be affected by ionospheric activity. By understanding the causes and behavior of scintillation, engineers can design systems that are more resilient and adaptive.

This research also contributes to our growing field of space weather forecasting. Just as meteorologists predict storms on Earth, space scientists are developing tools to forecast disturbances in the space environment, which can help protect technology and human missions.

Through this innovative study, the ISS continues to be a valuable platform not just for experiments within the station, but also for observing Earth and space interactions far beyond its walls.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.