Design/Calibration of GPS On-Orbit Monitoring Capability

M. D. Partridge and R. B. Dybdal

Abstract:	A prototype measurement system has been developed to monitor the on-orbit performance of heritage and modernized GPS satellites. This prototype uses a small reflector antenna to spatially isolate individual satellites within the constellation reducing the limitations of closein multipath and cross correlation with other satellites in the constellation. An emphasis is placed on system calibration as appropriate for its design role in accurately measuring on-orbit satellite performance. System calibration is essential to assure measurement accuracy and to quantify measurement uncertainty. This calibration procedure follows from the GPS specification of the received power levels by an idealized antenna. The prototype system calibration procedure determines the antenna gain for comparison with the idealized antenna gain levels used for the GPS specification, the insertion gain and its variation between the antenna terminals and the receiver, and the receiver itself.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2005 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 24 - 26, 2005 The Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	358 - 364
Cite this article:	Partridge, M. D., Dybdal, R. B., "Design/Calibration of GPS On-Orbit Monitoring Capability," Proceedings of the 2005 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 2005, pp. 358-364.
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