Comprehensive Evaluation of Simulated Launcher Scenarios Using Space a GNSS Receiver

Natalia Conde, Himanshu Gupta, Iñigo Cortés, Matthias Overbeck, Jan Ackermann, Matt Welham, and Alexander Rügamer

Abstract:	Accurate position, velocity, and time (PVT) solutions during the initial stages of a launch are essential for the performance of the autonomous flight termination system (AFTS). However, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers face a highly dynamic and challenging environment in launcher scenarios. In particular, during the separation stage between booster and payload, the receiver is subjected to rapid jerk dynamics, which can lead to significant errors in the PVT solution or even loss of lock. This study evaluates the GNSS-Receiver with Open Software Interface (GOOSE) receiver in a simulated launcher environment using the Spirent GSS9000 radio-frequency constellation simulator (RFCS) simulator, which models both the booster and payload vehicles. Results demonstrate that, with an adaptive tracking architecture, the GOOSE receiver maintains reliable PVT performance, achieving a horizontal root mean square error (HRMSE) below 1.5 meters at 0.1 Hz spin for the payload. The performance of the GOOSE receiver confirm the suitability of the receiver for high-dynamic applications and its potential to support precise navigation in challenging launch conditions.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 38th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS+ 2025) September 8 - 12, 2025 Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor Baltimore, Maryland
Pages:	437 - 445
Cite this article:	Conde, Natalia, Gupta, Himanshu, Cortés, Iñigo, Overbeck, Matthias, Ackermann, Jan, Welham, Matt, Rügamer, Alexander, "Comprehensive Evaluation of Simulated Launcher Scenarios Using Space a GNSS Receiver," Proceedings of the 38th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS+ 2025), Baltimore, Maryland, September 2025, pp. 437-445. https://doi.org/10.33012/2025.20357
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