Evaluation of a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Dual-Frequency GPS Receiver for Use on LEO Satellites

Jan Leyssens and Markus Markgraf

Abstract:	Testing and qualification of commercial receivers for space applications is done by the DLR on a regular basis. In this paper we report the results of the tests performed with the Septentrio’s PolaRx2 dual-frequency GPS receiver. In order to qualify for space missions, the receiver must show robustness to radiation exposure typical for low-Earth orbits, it must survive vibrations typical for launches, and demonstrate successful operation at altitudes and speeds typical for satellite platforms. The PolaRx2 receiver has been extensively tested in signal simulator tests using a STR4760 simulator. For the tests representative of actual dynamic conditions of low-orbit satellites, the receiver have demonstrated reliable acquisitions with cold-start time of a few minutes, robust tracking and the accuracy of measurements similar to its normal terrestrial performance. During environmental tests the receiver was also subjected to a total ionizing dose radiation test to verify its ability to survive for a few years on low-Earth orbits. The test results are comparable to those obtained earlier for other commercial receivers and demonstrate general suitability for low-Earth orbits. Results from random and sinusoidal vibration tests indicate that the PolaRx2 is able to survive a launch on several types of launchers. A first flight test with the PolaRx2 receiver onboard a technology demonstration micro-satellite is currently planned for 2008 as part of DLR’s On-Orbit Verification Program.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 18th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2005) September 13 - 16, 2005 Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA
Pages:	1208 - 1218
Cite this article:	Leyssens, Jan, Markgraf, Markus, "Evaluation of a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Dual-Frequency GPS Receiver for Use on LEO Satellites," Proceedings of the 18th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2005), Long Beach, CA, September 2005, pp. 1208-1218.
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