GPS Navigation on the HE0 Satellite Mission EQUATOR-S - Results of the Feasibility Study

Bernd Eissfeller, Oliver Balbach, Udo RoRbach and Jose M. Fraile-Ordofiez

Abstract:	The growing density of satellites, particularly within the geostationary orbit, brings up the need for better orbital control of satellites. One solution could be the use of GPS based Attitude and Orbital Control Systems (AOCS). A GPS experiment on a HE0 research satellite, EQUATOR-S, of the Max-Planck-Institute of Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), will provide basic research for development and use of such systems. Some satellites at low altitudes, e.g. TOPEX/POSEIDON [2], are already using GPS for position determination. But for satellites at higher altitudes than that of the GPS satellites - as this would be the case for geostationary satellites - there is no experience. The objective of this GPS experiment is to examine the possibilities of receiving GPS signals at different alti- tudes, especially near that of the geostationary orbit [6], and the conditions for visibility of these signals, such as signal strength. With its high elliptical orbit, EQUATOR-S offers the unique possibility to explore a large bandwidth of altitudes from 500 km at the perigee to ten times the Earth’s radius at the apogee. Within one orbit, EQUATOR-S crosses the altitude of the geostationary orbit twice. BEN, which is acting as the LI (Leading Investigator) in the space experiment, has carried out a feasibility study for the GPS mission. Kayser-Threde GmbH is the industrial sub-contractor in the project. This paper reports on the results.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 9th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1996) September 17 - 20, 1996 Kansas City, MO
Pages:	1331 - 1340
Cite this article:	Eissfeller, Bernd, Balbach, Oliver, RoRbach, Udo, Fraile-Ordofiez, Jose M., "GPS Navigation on the HE0 Satellite Mission EQUATOR-S - Results of the Feasibility Study," Proceedings of the 9th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1996), Kansas City, MO, September 1996, pp. 1331-1340.
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