Impacts of space weather-induced satellite navigation errors on UAV path planning and energy consumption

Abstract

Space weather disturbances can degrade satellite navigation accuracy, posing operational challenges for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) missions that require precise path planning. This study investigates the impact of space weather-induced horizontal navigation errors on UAV flight distance and energy consumption through a simulation-based analysis. Sixteen scenarios are evaluated by combining four flight altitudes (30, 60, 90, and 120 m) with four levels of satellite navigation errors (5, 10, 30, and 50 m). Simulation results indicate that larger satellite navigation errors increase flight distance through cumulative route deviations. In contrast, higher flight altitudes reduce flight distance by enabling more direct routes, though at the cost of increased energy consumption during ascending and descending phases. Total energy consumption, comprising ascent, descent, and horizontal phases, reflects a trade-off. Specifically, higher altitudes increase ascending and descending energy but reduce horizontal energy due to shorter flight distances. These findings highlight the dual influences of navigation accuracy and altitude on UAV operational efficiency under disturbed space weather conditions. This study provides critical insights for urban air mobility and low-altitude traffic management systems, emphasizing the need for adaptive altitude selection and resilient navigation strategies to maintain safety and efficiency during space weather events.