Extending the GPS IIIA antenna calibration for precise orbit determination of low Earth orbit satellites

• DOI: 10.1007/s00190-023-01718-0
• Publication Date: 2023-04-04T12:19:23Z
• Authors: Alex Conrad; Shailen Desai; Bruce Haines; Penina Axelrad
• Keywords: Orbit Determination; Orbit (dynamics); Galileo (satellite navigation)

Abstract High-precision applications of GNSS require accurate calibrations to correct for phase variations the transmitting antennas. Calibrations distributed by International Service (IGS), based upon observations from global network ground stations, are often used as source transmitter they inherently linked a specific definition Terrestrial Reference Frame. The IGS provides antenna function boresight angle each basic block navigation satellite. To support scientific missions operating in low Earth orbit, must be extended beyond 14-degrees limit that can observed receivers on Earth. Extended accommodate orbiting satellites have already been derived GPS Block II satellites. This paper derives an extension solution new IIIA calibration, year Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich altimetry mission and validated using Jason-3. These solutions consistent with IGS-provided models calibrations. We use model calibration extensions evaluate impact precise orbit both MF