Fine Tuning GPS Clock Estimation in the MCS

Steven T. Hutsell

Abstract:	With the completion of a 24 operational satellite constellation, GPS is fast approaching the critical milestone, Full Operational Capability (FOC). Although GPS is well capable of providing the timing accuracy and stability figures required by system specifications, the GPS community will continue to strive for further improvements in performance The GPS Master Control Station (MCS) recently demonstrated that timing improvements are always possible, provided we don't sacrifice system integrity in the process The most recent improvements have concentrated on a re-evaluation of the MCS Kalman Filter's Continuous Time Update Process Noises, also known as qr Rubidium (Rb) qs received notable (and well needed) attention in early 1994. In late 1994, the MCS completely re-messed the qs for all individual GPS frequency standards By tuning MCS clock estimation on a satellite-by-satellite basis, we've safely optimized the utility of the GPS Composite Clock, and hence, KaIman Filter state estimation, providing a small improvement to user accuracy.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 26th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting December 6 - 8, 1994 Hyatt Regency Reston Town Center Reston, Virginia
Pages:	63 - 74
Cite this article:	Hutsell, Steven T., "Fine Tuning GPS Clock Estimation in the MCS," Proceedings of the 26th Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Reston, Virginia, December 1994, pp. 63-74.
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