Capabilities of the WAAS and EGNOS For Time Distribution and Time Transfer

Bill Klepczynski, Pat Fenton, Ed Powers, Michel Brunet, Yi Bian and Robert Douglas

Abstract:	Simultaneous observations of the geostationary satellites (GEOs) used in the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) have been made with three different types of antennae attached to two NovAtel WAAS Narrow Band receivers at the US Naval Observatory in Washington, DC. The USNO Master Clock provided time and frequency for the receivers during this experiment. The antennae used in Washington were a geodetic omni-directional, a feed horn and a 1.8-m dish. Additional observations were made at the National Research Council in Ottawa using an omni-directional antenna and a 1.8-m dish. Because these satellite based augmentation systems (SBAS) to GPS are still under development and broadcast test transmissions, only an indication of their capabilities for timing can be given at this time. Current observed precision for using them for time distribution as well as their potential for synchronizing clocks using common view time transfer techniques will be given. When the Japanese developed Multi-Function Transportation Satellite [MTSAT] Augmentation System (MSAS) becomes fully operational along with the WAAS and EGNOS, the potential for having a real-time, global timing system exists. Preliminary analysis of the timing data indicates that a nanosecond operational capability in time distribution can be achieved and sub-nanosecond time synchronization over large distances can be realized.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2001 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 22 - 24, 2001 Westin Long Beach Hotel Long Beach, CA
Pages:	771 - 777
Cite this article:	Klepczynski, Bill, Fenton, Pat, Powers, Ed, Brunet, Michel, Bian, Yi, Douglas, Robert, "Capabilities of the WAAS and EGNOS For Time Distribution and Time Transfer," Proceedings of the 2001 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Long Beach, CA, January 2001, pp. 771-777.
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