Citation
Abstract
A Global Positioning System (GPS) flight receiver provides a means to precisely determine orbits for satellites in low-to-moderate altitude orbits. Above a 5000km altitude, however, relatively few GPS satellites are visible. New approaches to orbit determination for satellites at higher altitudes could reduce DSN antenna time needed to provide navigation and orbit determination support to future missions. Modiffcation of GPS ground receivers enables a beacon from the orbiter to be tracked simultaneously with GPS data. The orbit accuracy expected from this GPS-like tracking (GLT) technique is expected to be in the range of a few meters or better for altitudes up to 100,000 km with a global ground network. For geosynchronous satellites, however, there are unique challenges due to geometrical limitations and to the lack of strong dynamical signature in tracking data. We examine two approaches for tracking the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) geostationary orbiters. One uses GLT with a global network; the other relies on a small “connected element” ground network with a distributed clock for shortbaseline differential carrier phase (SBA®). We describe an experiment planned for late 1993, which will combine aspects of both GLT and SBA®, to demonstrate a | new approach for tracking the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRSs) that offers a number of operationally convenient and attractive features. The TDRS demonstration will be in effect a proof-of-concept experiment for a new approach to tracking spacecraft which could be applied more generally to deep-space as well as near-Earth regimes.
Details
- Volume
- 42-115
- Published
- November 15, 1993
- Pages
- 1–15
- File Size
- 999.7 KB