RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A long-term broadcast ephemeris model for extended operation of GNSS satellites
JF NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation
JO NAVIGATION
FD Institute of Navigation
SP 199
OP 215
DO 10.1002/navi.404
VO 68
IS 1
A1 Montenbruck, Oliver
A1 Steigenberger, Peter
A1 Aicher, Moritz
YR 2021
UL https://navi.ion.org/content/68/1/199.abstract
AB GNSS positioning relies on orbit and clock information, which is predicted on the ground and transmitted by the individual satellites as part of their broadcast navigation message. For an increased autonomy of either the space or user segment, the capability to predict a GNSS satellite orbit over extended periods of up to two weeks is studied. A tailored force model for numerical orbit propagation is proposed that offers high accuracy but can still be used in real-time environments. Using the Galileo constellation with its high-grade hydrogen maser clocks as an example, global average signal-in-space range errors of less than 25 m RMS and 3D position errors of less than about 50 m are demonstrated after two-week predictions in 95% of all test cases over a half-year period. The autonomous orbit prediction model thus enables adequate quality for a rapid first fix or contingency navigation in case of lacking ground segment updates.