Gravity Gradiometer Aided Inertial Navigation Within Non-GNSS Environments

Justin A. Richeson

Abstract:	Gravity gradiometer aiding of a strapdown inertial navigation system (INS) in the event of GNSS signal loss, or as a complement to an INS/GNSS system, is proposed. Gradiometry is ideal for covert military applications where a self contained, passive, spoof-free aid is desirable, and for space navigation near planetary bodies and moons where GNSS is unavailable. The paper provides a comprehensive discussion on gravity gradiometry fundamentals, map modeling, and regional and altitude effects on the gravitational gradient signal. A methodology to implement strapdown and stabilized gravity gradiometers into an extended Kalman filter is also presented. Lastly, a discussion on extraterrestrial navigation is given.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 20th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2007) September 25 - 28, 2007 Fort Worth Convention Center Fort Worth, TX
Pages:	1089 - 1100
Cite this article:	Richeson, Justin A., "Gravity Gradiometer Aided Inertial Navigation Within Non-GNSS Environments," Proceedings of the 20th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2007), Fort Worth, TX, September 2007, pp. 1089-1100.
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