Realizing a terrestrial reference frame using the Global Positioning System

• DOI: 10.1002/2015jb012225
• Publication Date: 2015-07-14T16:14:53Z
• Authors: Bruce J. Haines; Yoaz E. Bar‐Sever; Willy I. Bertiger; Shailen D. Desai; Nate Harvey; Aurore E. Sibois; Jan P. Weiss
• Keywords: Orbit Determination; Earth observation

Abstract We describe a terrestrial reference frame (TRF) realization based on Global Positioning System (GPS) data alone. Our approach rests highly dynamic, long‐arc (9 day) estimation strategy and GPS satellite antenna calibrations derived from Gravity Recovery Climate Experiment TOPEX/Poseidon low Earth orbit receiver data. Based nearly 17 years of (1997–2013), our solution for scale rate agrees with International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF)2008 to 0.03 ppb yr −1 , 3‐D origin ITRF2008 0.4 mm . Absolute differs by 1.1 (7 at the Earth's surface) 8 mm. These differences lie within estimated error levels contemporary TRF.