Multi-Constellation Opportunistic Positioning Technology from LEO Signals: Simulation and Performance Analysis

Bowen Ai, Shengjie Zhou, Jihong Huang, Rong Yang, and Xingqun Zhan

Peer Reviewed

Abstract:	This study investigates the feasibility of multi-constellation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems as a robust positioning alternative to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). A software-defined simulator is designed and implemented to generate intermediate frequency signals for three distinct LEO constellations: Starlink, Iridium, and Orbcomm. These signals are processed through a Signals of Opportunity (SOP) receiver to extract dual-mode observations - Time of Arrival (TOA) and Frequency of Arrival (FOA) measurements. Satellite ephemeris are precisely calculated using Two-Line Element (TLE) data for orbit determination. Positioning accuracy is systematically evaluated. Experimental results demonstrate that the multi-constellation collaborative positioning achieves a positioning accuracy of 411.37 meters. This work establishes a software-defined framework for LEO-based positioning systems, highlighting the synergistic potential of heterogeneous satellite constellations. Index Terms—navigation, LEO satellite, multi-constellation positioning, SOP, Starlink, Orbcomm, Iridium
Published in:	2025 IEEE/ION Position, Location and Navigation Symposium (PLANS) April 28 - 1, 2025 Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	429 - 438
Cite this article:	Ai, Bowen, Zhou, Shengjie, Huang, Jihong, Yang, Rong, Zhan, Xingqun, "Multi-Constellation Opportunistic Positioning Technology from LEO Signals: Simulation and Performance Analysis," 2025 IEEE/ION Position, Location and Navigation Symposium (PLANS), Salt Lake City, UT, April 2025, pp. 429-438.
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