Topics (Full texts)
Commencement of shortwave propagation simulator (HF-START) service
URL of HF-START：https://hfstart.nict.go.jp/
The service of shortwave propagation simulator (HF-START) has been started. It provides real-time shortwave propagation that reflects real space weather information from ground-based observations and model calculations. The HF-START web system has been successfully developed and is now available at https://hfstart.nict.go.jp/.
The web calculation function of this system allows short-wave propagation between any two points in Japan based on real-time GNSS observations and between any two points on the Earth based on model-based space weather information. Real-time estimation is possible. The calculation in the past and in the future up to about 1-day in advance is also possible. In addition to amateur radio, HF-START is expected to benefit efficient frequency operation of aviation communications that relies on shortwave in the polar route.
This is a collaborated work by our group with researchers at Electronic Navigation Research Institute, National Institute of Maritime, Port and Aviation Technology and Chiba University. Press release information is here.
