GPS Radio Sonde Station Facility set up under

SAARC STORM Project in Bhutan

STORM (Severe Thunderstorms: Observations and Regional Modelling) project was conceived as a
cooperative scientific endeavour between SAARC countries, for improving prediction of severe storms
frequenting India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are participating in this programme. Under this programme
ISRO is setting up meteorogical equipment in Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh.ISRO's commitment
towards this projectin Bhutan include supply and installation of meteorological equipment comprising
of 10 numbers of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and one GPS Sonde Station.
The AWS at the ground consists of meteorological sensors for temperature, pressure, wind velocity,
humidity, radiation and rainfall. The data logger converts data to digital signal and this data is
transmitted via satellite to the processing centre. In Bhutan, 10 AWS units have already been set up
in association with Department of Hydro and Met Services (DHMS), Thimphu, Bhutan and the data
is also being received by IMD, Pune.
Towards setting up of GPS Radio Sonde facility at Bhutan, a team from ISRO, led by Smt J Girija, Division
Head, RFATD, VSSC, visited DHMS,Thimphu, Bhutan during 3-8th, January, 2016.
The GPS Sonde System is used to measure atmospheric parameters like pressure, temperature and
humidity with the help of sensors and wind velocity using GPS module, as part of the balloon borne
Sonde. As the balloon filled with hydrogen or helium gas ascents, these parameters are measured at
different altitudes and transmitted. The compatible Ground Station retrieves the data which is used
by scientists for atmospheric studies and modeling.
The team has set up the facility at the identified location (near to Paro airport), conducted trail runs
and also imparted training on the GPS Sonde ascends to the concerned staff.
The upper air observation service, that will allow more accurate weather forecasts was officially launched
by Director of Department of Hydro Met Services (DHMS) and Director of Department of Air Transport
(DoAT), Thimphu, Bhutan, on 7th January 2016, at Paro International Airport by releasing the GPS
Sonde Balloon in the air. The inauguration was attended by officials from the Bhutan Civil Aviation
Authority (BCAA), Safety Officers, team from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Media.

Members at site for releasing GPS Radio Sonde