Citation

Abstract

Tropospheric inhomogeneities limit the accuracy with which a path delay in an arbitrary direction can be estimated from calibration measurements in different directions. This article demonstrates a mathematical procedure that has the potential for minimizing errors in the estimated geometrical and tropospheric path delays. The error is minimized by applying least-squares estimation to a combined set of observables in the calibration directions and the direction to be calibrated. A simulated test of this procedure was conducted using a model set of error-free calibration measurements. In the absence of geometrical delay mismodeling, the simulation yielded delay errors which vary from about 1 mm at zenith to about 1 cm at 10 deg. The main principles of how this procedure could be applied to improve accuracy of deep space tracking using Global Positioning System (GPS) data are also discussed.

Details

Volume
42-116
Published
February 15, 1994
Pages
10–23
File Size
760.0 KB