GNSS visibility and performance implications for the GENESIS mission

• DOI: 10.1007/s00190-023-01784-4
• Publication Date: 2023-10-31T17:01:49Z
• Authors: Oliver Montenbruck; Peter Steigenberger; Steffen Thoelert; Daniel Arnold; Grzegorz Bury
• Keywords: Galileo (satellite navigation); Orbit Determination; Orbit (dynamics)

The GENESIS mission prepared for launch in 2027 integrates the four space-geodetic techniques on a single spaceborne platform medium Earth orbit. With its unique observations and alternative tie concepts, aims to contribute an improved accuracy homogeneity of future terrestrial reference system realizations. To assess expected contribution Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tracking, comprehensive GNSS coverage analysis is performed based detailed link-budget simulations, taking into account best available gain patterns signal-specific transmit power estimates derived this work from measurements high-gain dish antenna. benefit different receiver antenna concepts spacecraft assessed, it demonstrated that single-antenna with either nadir-looking or side-looking boresight viable dual-antenna configuration considered initial studies. Compared users missions low orbit, will collect signals transmitted at up two times larger off-boresight angles. Only limited information actual phase presently region, which hampers quantitative assessment measurement orbit determination accuracy. As such, release manufacturer calibrations encouraged all blocks GPS Galileo satellites. In parallel, need in-flight characterization calibration antennas angles 30∘ using itself expected. impact such overall quality frame parameters be assessed simulations global network solutions joint processing observations.