A Prototype WADGPS System for Real Time Sub-Meter Positioning Worldwide

T.P. Yunck, Y.E. Bar-Sever, W.I. Bertiger, B.A. Iijima, S.M. Lichten, U.J. Lindqwister, A.J. Mannucci, R.J. Muellerschoen, T.N. Munson, L. Romans, and S.C. Wu

Abstract:	Many planned and proposed NASA science activities will benefit from precise real time positioning with wide area differential GPS (WADGPS). Future NASA users include orbital remote sensing instruments (altimeters, SARs, imagers) and a variety of airborne and Earth based investigations. Real time positioning requirements and goals range from a few meters to a few centimeters. Direct benefits will include the enabling of missions that are not now possible (such as precision remote sensing from the space shuttle and space station) and dramatic reduction of analysis costs for a diversity of current investigations. Specific NASA needs not satisfied by planned WADGPS systems, such as the FAA’s Wide Area Augmentation System, include continuous global coverage and sub-meter (in some cases sub-decimeter) absolute accuracy. NASA is now assembling a WADGPS system to provide sub-meter real time positioning worldwide. Enhancements may soon improve real time accuracy to 40 cm. Key components include NASA’s global GPS reference network and JPL’s real time GPS data analysis software. To maximize accuracy, the system features precise dynamic GPS orbit determination; advanced stochastic estimation; simultaneous processing of range and phase data; and use of the global “solar-magnetic” reference frame for ionospheric mapping. Full North American operation will begin in late FY 96, with initial global operation beginning in mid-FY 97.
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:	1819 - 1826
Cite this article:	Yunck, T.P., Bar-Sever, Y.E., Bertiger, W.I., Iijima, B.A., Lichten, S.M., Lindqwister, U.J., Mannucci, A.J., Muellerschoen, R.J., Munson, T.N., Romans, L., Wu, S.C., "A Prototype WADGPS System for Real Time Sub-Meter Positioning Worldwide," 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. 1819-1826.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In