GPS Tensor: GPS Receiver for Attitude and Orbit Determination

J. Kurt Brock

Abstract:	Space Systems/Loral. a leading manufacturer of meteorological and communications satellites, introduces GPS TensorTM, a space-qualified, solid-state, GPS attitude and orbit determination receiver. This single compact receiver offers 13 output states of navigation and attitude information for guidance and control of space vehicles from launch to orbit. The GPS Tenso? is an ideal replacement for conventional attitude determination equipment such as earth sensors, sun sensors, and gyros. Accurate trajectory navigation can be accomplished without employment of an extensive worldwide tracking network. GPS TensorTM delivers roll, pitch and yaw angles, rates, position, velocity, time and filtered orbit determination using a continuously tracking Ll, C/A code receiver. The GPS TensorTM comprises two major subassemblies: the receiver/processor unit (RPU) with a RS-422 interface, and four patch antennas and preamps. The attitude determination receiver consists of single or redundant circuit cards which makes it ideal for RPU embedded applications. It accepts a wide range of input voltages and consumes less than 12 watts of power. The GPS TensorTM is the first space flight qualified GPS attitude and orbit determination receiver and will provide reliable, long life service in radiation environments up to 100 kRad, in addition to withstanding the wide variety of shock, vibration and temperature extremes encountered in space.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 8th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1995) September 12 - 15, 1995 Palm Springs, CA
Pages:	141 - 142
Cite this article:	Brock, J. Kurt, "GPS Tensor: GPS Receiver for Attitude and Orbit Determination," Proceedings of the 8th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1995), Palm Springs, CA, September 1995, pp. 141-142.
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