3 research outputs found
Europan tidal deformation: Providing a theoretical framework for altimetry data to determine ocean presence
Aerospace Engineerin
Space Applications
Signals transmitted by global navigation satellite
system (GNSS) satellites are not confined to the
surface of the Earth but can likewise be used for
navigation in space. Satellites in low Earth orbits,
in particular, benefit from a similar signal strength
and experience a full-sky visibility. On the other
hand, the harsh space environment, long-term
reliability requirements and the high dynamics
of the host platform pose specific challenges to
the design and operation of space-borne GNSS
receivers. Despite these constraints, satellite manufacturers
and scientists have early on started to
exploit the benefits of GNSS technology. From the
first flight of a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver
on Landsat-4, GNSS receivers have evolved
into indispensable and ubiquitous tools for navigation
and control of space vehicles.
Following a general introduction, the chapter
first describes the specific aspects of GNSS signal
tracking in space and highlights the technological
challenges of space-borne receiver design. Subsequently,
the use of GNSS for spacecraft navigation is
discussed taking into account both real-time navigation
and precise orbit determination. Relevant
algorithms and software tools are discussed and
the currently achieved performance is presented
based on actual missions and flight results.
A dedicated section is devoted to the use of spaceborne
GNSS for relative navigation of formation
flying satellites.
The chapter concludes with an outlook on
special applications such as spacecraft attitude
determination, GNSS tracking of ballistic vehicles
as well as GNSS radio science