A Long-Term Statistical Analysis of the Accuracy of GPS and GLONASS Broadcast Orbit and Clock Models

Maxwell S. B. Starr, Matthew D. Powe and John I. R. Owen

Abstract:	This paper provides a log-term analysis of the accuracy of GPS and GLONASS ephemeris data and provides a statistical description of the errors in the broadcast three dimensional satellite position and clock correction. The orbit and time error results are separated so as to observe systematic effects over time and geographical location. Orbit and time errors are also analyzed for cases corresponding to the occurrence of eclipse. In the case of GPS, analysis is carried out on the performance of different generations of satellites. The global coverage of both GPS and GLONASS systems is investigated and the difference in coverage of both systems over the passing years is examined in global plots in which the number of visible satellites is shown. By observing the systematic effects due to geographical location of the satellites, conclusions about the positioning of the ground segment upload stations can be reached, including effects on the orbit model due to large global regions where there are no monitoring stations. Additionally an analysis is performed on the historic satellite coverage of GPS and GLONASS systems. Satellites passing through eclipse are subject to abrupt changes in solar radiation pressure and satellite attitude control discontinuities. The orbit and clock correction accuracies of satellites whose orbits possess regions of eclipse are compared to orbits with uninterrupted solar radiation pressure.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 17th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2004) September 21 - 24, 2004 Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA
Pages:	2095 - 2103
Cite this article:	Starr, Maxwell S. B., Powe, Matthew D., Owen, John I. R., "A Long-Term Statistical Analysis of the Accuracy of GPS and GLONASS Broadcast Orbit and Clock Models," Proceedings of the 17th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2004), Long Beach, CA, September 2004, pp. 2095-2103.
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