Selection of GPS Satellite Constellations for Spacecraft Orbit Determination,

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.