Selection of GPS Satellite Constellations for Spacecraft Orbit Determination,

Abstract

As far as global positioning systems (GPS) being used in the determination of spacecraft orbits is concerned, they will increase the autonomous navigation capabilities of spacecraft, reducing equipment carried on board satellites, and saving on ground stations. In conjunction with this, it will be possible to increase precision and reliability. However--different from ground utilization environments-it is necessary to reanalyze and solve such problems as satellite selection, error calibration, high dynamics, antenna set ups, and so on, associated with the use of GPS in determining spacecraft orbits. This article considers such things as atmospheric interference, signal propogation paths, relativity theory effects, satellite window stability, and so on, putting forward principles of satellite selection based on the requirements of different tasks as well as a different type of method associated with opting for the use of weighted least square methods, causing all visible satellites to participate in positioning calculations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 14, 1996
Accession Number
ADA306448

Entities

People

  • Changqing Song
  • Jianping Yuan
  • Yong Chen

Organizations

  • National Air and Space Intelligence Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Autonomous Navigation
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Ground Stations
  • Navigation
  • Navigational Equipment
  • Orbits
  • Relativity Theory
  • Satellite Constellations
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits

Readers

  • Economics
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Satellites