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At least 505 records · Page 28

How Bad Receiver Coordinates Can Affect GPS Timing

Many sources of error are possible when the Global Positioning System (GPS) is used for time comparisons. Some of these errors have been listed by Lewandowski. Because of the complexity of the system, an error source could have more than one effect. This paper will present theoretical and observational results by offsetting a receiver's coordinates. The calculations show how an error as small as three meters in any direction can result in a timing error of more than 10 nanoseconds. The GPS receiver must be surveyed to better than 0.2 meter accuracy for the timing error to be sub-nanosecond.

Chadsey, H.↗

Using GPS Reflections for Satellite Remote Sensing

GPS signals that have reflected off of the ocean's surface have shown potential for use in oceanographic and atmospheric studies. The research described here investigates the possible deployment of a GPS reflection receiver onboard a remote sensing satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO). The coverage and resolution characteristics of this receiver are calculated and estimated. This mission analysis examines using reflected GPS signals for several remote sensing missions. These include measurement of the total electron content in the ionosphere, sea surface height, and ocean wind speed and direction. Also discussed is the potential test deployment of such a GPS receiver on the space shuttle. Constellations of satellites are proposed to provide adequate spatial and temporal resolution for the aforementioned remote sensing missions. These results provide a starting point for research into the feasibility of augmenting or replacing existing remote sensing satellites with spaceborne GPS reflection-detecting receivers.

Mickler, David↗

Design approach for a microprocessor-based GPS time transfer receiver

The design concept and characteristics of a self-contained microprocessor-based Global Positioning System time transfer receiver is described. A prototype of this unit is currently in the test phase. It employs two-bit digital baseband correlation rather than analog IF correlation of the signals with the reference code. The correlator, numerically controlled oscillators and code generator are implemented in a special-purpose digital signal processor. The time is recovered in the digital code tracking loop, and final corrections are applied in the control processor. Other features of this design are: (1) drift-free digital mechanization; (2) high reliability of digital circuits; (3) flexible control capability of the microprocessor; and (4) potential for a high degree of digital VLSI chip development leading to compact, low-cost units.

Ould, P. C.↗

A globally efficient means of distributing UTC time and frequency through GPS

Time and frequency outputs comparable in quality to the best laboratories have been demonstrated on an integrated system suitable for field application on a global basis. The system measures the time difference between 1 pulse-per-second (pps) signals derived from local primary frequency standards and from a multi-channel GPS C/A receiver. The measured data is processed through optimal SA Filter algorithms that enhance both the stability and accuracy of GPS timing signals. Experiments were run simultaneously at four different sites. Even with large distances between sites, the overall results show a high degree of cross-correlation of the SA noise. With sufficiently long simultaneous measurement sequences, the data shows that determination of the difference in local frequency from an accepted remote standard to better than 1 x 10(exp -14) is possible. This method yields frequency accuracy, stability, and timing stability comparable to that obtained with more conventional common-view experiments. In addition, this approach provides UTC(USNO MC) in real time to an accuracy better than 20 ns without the problems normally associated with conventional common-view techniques. An experimental tracking loop was also set up to demonstrate the use of enhanced GPS for dissemination of UTC(USNO MC) over a wide geographic area. Properly disciplining a cesium standard with a multi-channel GPS receiver, with additional input from USNO, has been found to permit maintaining a timing precision of better than 10 ns between Palo Alto, CA and Washington, DC.

Kusters, John A.↗

Low-Cost Vertical Accelerometer For Aircraft

Self-aligning device measures vertical acceleration of aircraft but costs only small fraction of price of full inertial navigation system. Consists of accelerometer mounted vertically on inner gimbal of artificial horizon. Vertical accelerometer proves to be effective aid to Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation receivers in general-aviation aircraft and helicopters. Low-cost vertical accelerometer used to improve on vertical accuracy and reliability of GPS receiver alone. Also used to improve altitude accuracy for aircraft otherwise equipped with only baro-altimeter for altitude measurement.

Paielli, Russell A.↗

GENESIS: GPS Environmental and Earth Science Information System

This presentation reviews the GPS ENvironmental and Earth Science Information System (GENESIS). The objectives of GENESIS are outlined (1) Data Archiving, searching and distribution for science data products derived from Space borne TurboRogue Space Receivers for GPS science and other ground based GPS receivers, (2) Data browsing using integrated visualization tools, (3) Interactive web/java-based data search and retrieval, (4) Data subscription service, (5) Data migration from existing GPS archived data, (6) On-line help and documentation, and (7) participation in the WP-ESIP federation. The presentation reviews the products and services of Genesis, and the technology behind the system.

Hajj, George↗

Precise orbit determination for CHAMP using GPS data from BlackJack Receiver

In this paper we present results for CHAMP POD using the precise GPS measurements collected by the BlackJack receiver through the up-looking antenna. We will describe the quality of the tracking data, the tuning of the reduced-dynamic model for the 400-km orbit, and the various methods of evaluating the orbit accuracy.

CHAMP↗

Ionospheric corrections to precise time transfer using GPS

The free electrons in the earth's ionosphere can retard the time of reception of GPS signals received at a ground station, compared to their time in free space, by many tens of nanoseconds, thus limiting the accuracy of time transfer by GPS. The amount of the ionospheric time delay is proportional to the total number of electrons encountered by the wave on its path from each GPS satellite to a receiver. This integrated number of electrons is called Total Electron Content, or TEC. Dual frequency GPS receivers designed by Allen Osborne Associates, Inc. (AOA) directly measure both the ionospheric differential group delay and the differential carrier phase advance for the two GPS frequencies and derive from this the TEC between the receiver and each GPS satellite in track. The group delay information is mainly used to provide an absolute calibration to the relative differential carrier phase, which is an extremely precise measure of relative TEC. The AOA Mini-Rogue ICS-4Z and the AOA TurboRogue ICS-4000Z receivers normally operate using the GPS P code, when available, and switch to cross-correlation signal processing when the GPS satellites are in the Anti-Spoofing (A-S) mode and the P code is encrypted. An AOA ICS-Z receiver has been operated continuously for over a year at Hanscom AFB, MA to determine the statistics of the variability of the TEC parameter using signals from up to four different directions simultaneously. The 4-channel ICS-4Z and the 8-channel ICS-4000Z, have proven capabilities to make precise, well calibrated, measurements of the ionosphere in several directions simultaneously. In addition to providing ionospheric corrections for precise time transfer via satellite, this dual frequency design allows full code and automatic codeless operation of both the differential group delay and differential carrier phase for numerous ionospheric experiments being conducted. Statistical results of the data collected from the ICS-4Z during the initial year of ionospheric time delay in the northeastern U.S., and initial results with the ICS-4000Z, will be presented.

Snow, Robert W.↗

Geodetic positioning of the Aerospace Electronics Research Lab (ERL) Osborne Time Transfer Receiver (TTR) using the GPS NAVSTAR Block I satellites

Aerospace has routinely processed the Osborne Time Transfer Receiver (TTR) data for the purpose of monitoring the performance of ground and GPS atomic clocks in near real-time with on-line residual displays and characterizing clock stability with Allan Variance calculations. Recently, Aerospace added the ability to estimate the TTR's location by differentially correcting the TTR's location in the WGS84 reference system. This new feature is exercised on a set of TTR clock phase data and Sub-meter accurate station location estimates of the TTR at the Aerospace Electronic Research Lab (ERL) are obtained.

Liu, Anthony S.↗

A comparison of four precise global positioning system geodetic receivers

Four precise global positioning system (GPS) geodetic receivers were operated simultaneously in January and February 1984 over ten baselines ranging in distance from 13 to 1304 km. Several of the baselines had been previously measured using very long baseline interferometry and, therefore, provide very good standards to which the satellite results can be compared. Results of these experiments are presented along with a brief description of each receiver and the associated analysis techniques.

Goad, C. C.↗

Global Positioning System Simulator Field Operational Procedures

Global Positioning System (GPS) simulation is an important activity in the development or qualification of GPS signal receivers for space flight. Because a GPS simulator is a critical resource it is highly desirable to develop a set of field operational procedures to supplement the basic procedures provided by most simulator vendors. Validated field procedures allow better utilization of the GPS simulator in the development of new test scenarios and simulation operations. These procedures expedite simulation scenario development while resulting in scenarios that are more representative of the true design, as well as enabling construction of more complex simulations than previously possible, for example, spacecraft maneuvers. One difficulty in the development of a simulation scenario is specifying various modes of test vehicle motion and associated maneuvers requiring that a user specify some (but not all) of a few closely related simulation parameters. Currently this can only be done by trial and error. A stand-alone procedure that implements the simulator maneuver motion equations and solves for the motion profile transient times, jerk and acceleration would be of considerable value. Another procedure would permit the specification of some configuration parameters that would determine the simulated GPS signal composition. The resulting signal navigation message, for example, would force the receiver under test to use only the intended C-code component of the simulated GPS signal. A representative class of GPS simulation-related field operational procedures is described in this paper. These procedures were developed and used in support of GPS integration and testing for many successful spacecraft missions such as SAC-A, EO-1, AMSAT, VCL, SeaStar, sounding rockets, and by using the industry standard Spirent Global Simulation Systems Incorporated (GSSI) STR series simulators.

Kizhner, Semion↗

Civil Application of Differential GPS Using a Single Channel Sequential Receiver

The Global Positioning System (GPS) and its potential for area navigation, landing, and takeoff under minimum ceilings and advanced air traffic control operation is discussed. The following topics are reported: status of the GPS system; GPS signal availability for the civil community; alternative differential GPS concepts; predicted performance enhancement achievable with differential GPS and the operational improvements which will result; and a development program to test and evaluate differential GPS concepts, performance and operational procedures applicable to helicopters. Potential benefits which will be derived from helicopter use of GPS in the differential mode are identified.

Source record↗

Instrumental Biases in Ionospheric Measurement Derived from GPS Data

Line-of-sight ionosphere measurements derived from differencing dual frequency GPS range data are corrupted by instrumental biases in both receiver and GPS satellite transmitters due to hardware delays in the L1 and L2 signal paths. Using a global ionospheric shell model to fit GPS based ionospheric delay data from a world wide network of 30 to 40 receivers, we can estimate, with a single fit, satellite biases for the entire GPS constellation and receiver biases for all the uncalibrated receivers.

GPS↗

A Test Of Precision GPS Clock Synchronization

This paper will describe tests of precision GPS time transfer using geodetic-quality TurboRogue receivers. The GPS data are processed with the GIPSY-OASIS II software, which simultaneously estimates the GPS satellite orbits and clocks, receiver locations and clock offsets, as well as other parameters such as earth orientation.

GPS GPS Clock Synchronization↗

The application of spaceborne GPS to atmospheric limb sounding and global change monitoring

This monograph is intended for readers with minimal background in radio science who seek a relatively comprehensive treatment of the mission and technical aspects of an Earth-orbiting radio occultation satellite. Part 1 (chapters 1-6) describes mission concepts and programmatic information; Part 2 (chapters 7-12) deals with the theoretical aspects of analyzing and interpreting radio occultation measurements. In this mission concept the navigation signals from a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite that is being occulted by the Earth's limb are observed by a GPS flight receiver on board a low Earth orbiter (LEO) satellite. This technique can be used to recover profiles of the Earth's atmospheric refractivity, pressure, and temperature using small, dedicated, and relatively low-cost space systems. Chapter 2 summarizes the basic space system concepts of the limb-sounding technique and describes a low-cost strawman demonstration mission. Chapter 3 discusses some of the scientific benefits of using radio occultation on a suite of small satellites. Chapter 4 provides a more detailed discussion of several system elements in a radio occultation mission, including the launch system for small payloads, the LEO microsat, the GPS constellation, the GPS flight receiver payload, the mission operations ground control and data receiving system, the ground-based GPS global tracking network for precision orbit determination, and the central data processing and archive system. Chapter 5 addresses the various technology readiness questions that invariably arise. Chapter 6 discusses the overall costs of a demonstration mission such as GPS/MET (meteorological) proposed by the University Navstar Consortium (UNAVCO). Chapter 7 describes a geometrical optics approach to coplanar atmospheric occultation. Chapter 8 addresses major questions regarding accuracy of the occultation techniques. Chapter 9 describes some simulations that have been performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the recovered profiles of atmospheric parameters to different error sources, such as departure from spherical symmetry, water vapor, etc. Chapter 10 discusses horizontal and vertical resolution associated with limb sounders in general. Chapter 11 treats selected Fresnel diffraction techniques that can be used in radio occultation measurements to sharpen resolution. Chapter 12 provides brief discussions on selected special topics, such as strategies for handling interference and multipath processes that may arise for rays traveling in the lower troposphere.

Melbourne, W. G.↗

Towards GPS Surface Reflection Remote Sensing of Sea Ice Conditions

This paper describes the research to extend the application of Global Positioning System (GPS) signal reflections, received by airborne instruments, to cryospheric remote sensing. The characteristics of the GPS signals and equipment afford the possibility of new measurements not possible with existing radar and passive microwave systems. In particular, the GPS receiving systems are small and light-weight, and as such are particularly well suited to be deployed on small aircraft or satellite platforms with minimal impact. Our preliminary models and experimental results indicate that reflected GPS signals have potential to provide information on the presence and condition of sea and fresh-water ice as well as the freeze/thaw state of frozen ground. In this paper we show results from aircraft experiments over the ice pack near Barrow, Alaska suggesting correlation between forward scattered GPS returns and RADARSAT backscattered signals.

Komjathy, A.↗

GPS-based satellite tracking system for precise positioning

NASA is developing a Global Positioning System (GPS) based measurement system to provide precise determination of earth satellite orbits, geodetic baselines, ionospheric electron content, and clock offsets between worldwide tracking sites. The system will employ variations on the differential GPS observing technique and will use a network of nine fixed ground terminals. Satellite applications will require either a GPS flight receiver or an on-board GPS beacon. Operation of the system for all but satellite tracking will begin by 1988. The first major satellite application will be a demonstration of decimeter accuracy in determining the altitude of TOPEX in the early 1990's. By then the system is expected to yield long-baseline accuracies of a few centimeters and instantaneous time synchronization to 1 ns.

Yunck, T. P.↗

Refinement of Earth's gravity field with Topex GPS measurements

The NASA Ocean Topography Experiment satellite TOPEX will carry a microwave altimeter accurate to a few centimeters for the measurement of ocean height. The capability can be fully exploited only if TOPEX altitude can be independently determined to 15 cm or better. This in turn requires an accurate gravity model. The gravity will be tuned with selected nine 10-day arcs of laser ranging, which will be the baseline tracking data type, collected in the first six months of TOPEX flight. TOPEX will also carry onboard an experimental Global Positioning System (GPS) flight receiver capable of simultaneously observing six GPS satellites above its horizon to demonstrate the capability of GPS carrier phase and P-code pseudorange for precise determination of the TOPEX orbit. It was found that subdecimeter orbit accuracy can be achieved with a mere two-hour arc of GPS tracking data, provided that simultaneous measurements are also made at six of more ground tracking sites. The precision GPS data from TOPEX are also valuable for refining the gravity model. An efficient technique is presented for gravity tuning using GPS measurements. Unlike conventional global gravity tuning, this technique solves for far fewer gravity parameters in each filter run. These gravity parameters yield local gravity anomalies which can later be combined with the solutions over other parts of the earth to generate a global gravity map. No supercomputing power will be needed for such combining. The approaches used in this study are described and preliminary results of a covariance analysis presented.

Wu, Sien-Chong↗