GPS-based precise orbit determination in near real time for operational altimetry

Shailen D. Desai, Willy Bertiger, Angela Dorsey, Bruce J. Haines, Christopher Lane, Jan P. Weiss

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe a near-real-time (NRT) precise orbit determination (POD) system for the Ocean Surface Topography Mission/Jason-2 satellite altimeter mission that processes tracking data from the onboard "BlackJack" Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The NRT POD system is now operational, and the resulting orbit solutions are being used to generate a value-added NRT sea surface height product for operational altimetry applications. The NRT GPS-based orbit solution features radial orbit accuracies of 1 cm (RMS) with a latency of < 4 hours. These orbit accuracies are achieved through the use of Ultra-Rapid solutions for the orbits and clocks of the GPS constellation of satellites. We use satellite laser ranging tracking data and sea surface height crossover residuals as external metrics for evaluating orbit accuracy. We also provide comparisons to other orbit solutions of varying latencies to illustrate the trade between accuracy and timeliness.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGuidance and Control 2010 - Advances in the Astronautical Sciences
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 33rd Annual AAS Rocky Mountain Guidance and Control Conference
Pages593-604
Number of pages12
StatePublished - 2010
Event33rd Annual AAS Rocky Mountain Guidance and Control Conference - Breckenridge, CO, United States
Duration: Feb 5 2010Feb 10 2010

Publication series

NameAdvances in the Astronautical Sciences
Volume137
ISSN (Print)0065-3438

Conference

Conference33rd Annual AAS Rocky Mountain Guidance and Control Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBreckenridge, CO
Period02/5/1002/10/10

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