After the multiple successful launches this year of Jason-3 (January 17, 2016), Sentinel-3A (February 16, 2016), and Microscope (April 25, 2016), three more GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers are now available to achieve precise orbit determination (POD) of the satellites with centimeter-level accuracies.
GPS-based POD started in 1992 with Topex/Poseidon for altimetry missions. Despite the problems (constellation not operational …) met of the experimental GPS (Global Positioning System) system, a radial orbit accuracy of 4-5 cm (RMS) was demonstrated in 1994. Since this time, significant advances in GPS data processing algorithms and data distribution have positioned this technology as the primary tracking to support POD in the new era of geodetic satellites (CHAMP, GRACE, GOCE, SWARM …). Thus, in addition to the three new satellites Jason-3, Sentinel-3A, and Microscope, analyses of GNSS measurement characteristics from other historical missions bringing reciprocal benefits will be most welcome in the seminar.
Partager :
