On the Potential of Accelerometers for GNSS on Satellite Positioning and Ensuing Reference Frame Determination

Abstract

AbstractSolar Radiation Pressure (SRP) is the largest non-conservative force acting on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) satellites. Modeling this force is still one of the challenging tasks in precise orbit determination (POD) of GNSS satellites and therefore also for subsequent applications as geodetic reference frame determination. Commonly used methods for SRP modeling are empirical or analytical ones, as well as combinations of the two. These points give rise to the motivation whether and how alternative observation techniques can improve future GNSS and support them in aspects of POD, reference frame determination and other subsequent applications. For this purpose, we analyze the potential of accelerometers onboard of each Galileo satellite by using simulations for different accelerometer specifications and evaluate the effect on position and clock estimates of the satellite vehicle, as well as the effect on derived Terrestrial Reference Frames (TRF). We thereby see, by assuming accelerometer sensitivities which are already available, the possibility to decorrelate the clock estimates from radial orbit position determinations. The advantages for GNSS based positioning are limited, since radial orbit errors and clock errors almost perfectly compensate. Promising potential for improvements for derived TRF and geocenter determination can be seen, which would bring us one step closer to achieving the accuracy requirements of a global TRF, defined by the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS).