Satellite signals unlock new climate tracking potential
Scientists from TU Graz have discovered a way to use Starlink signals to accurately track climate changes in real time. Information about sea levels and weather patterns will be transmitted on a continuous basis.
Researchers at the Institute of Geodesy at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) have developed an innovative method to analyze signals from satellite networks, such as Starlink, to track climate changes. By utilizing the Doppler effect, it is now possible to monitor sea levels and weather patterns in real time.
Researchers will use satellite signals to observe climate changes
Until now, signals from large satellite constellations have been unused in geodetic research. However, thanks to the FFG Estimation project, scientists from TU Graz have integrated these signals with navigation satellite data, allowing for precise tracking of environmental changes on Earth.
Philipp Berglez from the Institute of Geodesy emphasizes that the availability of satellite signals far exceeds those from navigation satellites, enabling better signal accessibility and improved temporal resolution. This allows for observing short-term changes, such as intense rainfall or sea level changes.
The future of the project and the struggle with climate changes
One of the challenges of the project is that satellite operators, including Starlink, do not disclose the structure of their signals, which can be a potential source of errors in calculations. Nevertheless, scientists found a way to analyze Starlink signals, allowing for positioning with an accuracy of up to 54 metres.
The goal of the project is to achieve greater precision, reaching a few metres, by using antennas capable of tracking satellites and receiving signals from various directions. Additional measurements in different locations aim to improve accuracy and reduce the impact of potential errors.
Researchers note that using communication signals for geodesy opens up significant possibilities for more detailed Earth studies. The SciTech Daily portal highlights that scientists do not analyze the content of the signals but use them for positioning and observing orbits, allowing for a more precise determination of Earth's gravitational field.
