Architecture and Performance Testing of a Software GPS Receiver for Space-based Applications

Kenn Gold, and Alison Brown

Abstract:	NAVSYS has modified the design of its Software GPS Receiver to optimize performance for various space-based scenarios. These include capabilities to track GPS satellites from missions that are at altitudes higher than the GPS constellation. The approach is based on Digital Beam Steering, which also presents significant advantages for multipath mitigation, which will improve kinematic carrier phase tracking and GPS interferometric attitude determination for orbital applications. In addition, the composite signal formed from the beam steering algorithms lends itself to antenna placement around the spacecraft body, which will result in continuous visibility, even for spinning satellites. Inertial aiding with the SGR has also been adapted for space applications including high dynamic scenarios in which it is difficult to track GPS. In order to test the modifications required for the Space-Software GPS Receiver (SSGR), the NAVSYS simulation tools suite has been augmented to account for orbital scenarios. This involved adding an interface to the GPS Toolbox product to accept orbital trajectories generated with Satellite Tool Kit. The Toolbox in turn drives the hardware simulations with the Advanced GPS Hybrid Simulator.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2004 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 26 - 28, 2004 The Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	624 - 635
Cite this article:	Gold, Kenn, Brown, Alison, "Architecture and Performance Testing of a Software GPS Receiver for Space-based Applications," Proceedings of the 2004 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 2004, pp. 624-635.
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