Innovative Ways of Supporting an Aging GPS Constellation

David A. Friedman and Arnold G. Werschky

Abstract:	The 2d Space Operations Squadron (2 SOPS) out of Schriever AFB, Colorado is responsible for operating each of the 28 GPS satellites currently on-orbit. While each satellite has its own unique configurations and characteristics, almost all GPS satellites operate in a similar manner, with the exception of Satellite Vehicle Number (SVN) 23, a Block IIA generation satellite. While most satellites operate with two actively tracking solar arrays, SVN 23 currently operates with only one actively tracking array. This configuration created a need to adjust the way the Kalman Filter performs state estimation to provide a more accurate signal to worldwide users. This paper describes the navigation performance of SVN 23, focusing on a six-month period prior to and after the transition to single array tracking. Since it takes six months for a GPS satellite to complete one orbital season, this analysis period is ideal for completely evaluating the before and after effects of this operational change. Further, Kalman Filter adjustments and changes in modeling are compared to navigation performance.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 15th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2002) September 24 - 27, 2002 Oregon Convention Center Portland, OR
Pages:	1236 - 1240
Cite this article:	Friedman, David A., Werschky, Arnold G., "Innovative Ways of Supporting an Aging GPS Constellation," Proceedings of the 15th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2002), Portland, OR, September 2002, pp. 1236-1240.
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