LEO Satellite Position Refinement Using VRS Corrections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites face challenges in achieving accurate orbit and position determination due to atmospheric drag and other forces, with existing methods providing position accuracy only to within 20 meters, which is insufficient for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a LEO satellite equipped with a GNSS receiver and a corrections processor, utilizing Virtual Reference Station (VRS) or Precise Point Positioning (PPP) corrections generated by a master reference station, to refine the satellite's position estimate to sub-meter accuracy by processing VRS or PPP corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If typical orbit determination methods are used, then the system is simple, but position accuracy is limited to within 20 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master reference station as an intermediary device that generates Virtual Reference Station (VRS) corrections. These corrections are transmitted to the LEO satellite's GNSS receiver to refine position estimates. The master reference station acts as a mediator between the GNSS signal and the satellite's position determination system, enabling sub-meter accuracy without requiring complex onboard processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual reference station copy that replicates the function of a physical reference station. Instead of requiring a physical reference station at a known location, the system generates virtual reference station corrections that can be applied anywhere in the orbit. This virtual copy approach enables position refinement without the complexity of establishing and maintaining physical reference infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If a GNSS receiver is added to the LEO satellite, then position accuracy improves to within 5-15 meters, but the satellite's ability to resist atmospheric drag and maintain orbit becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The master reference station serves as an intermediary that provides corrected position information to the LEO satellite. By receiving VRS corrections from the master reference station, the satellite can achieve sub-meter position accuracy without needing to perform complex orbit determination calculations onboard, thus maintaining reliability while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the master reference station continuously monitors and provides correction data to the LEO satellite. This feedback loop allows the satellite to maintain accurate position information by receiving real-time corrections that account for atmospheric drag and other orbital perturbations, improving both accuracy and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for refining a position estimate of a low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite a first position estimate of a LEO satellite is generated with a GNSS receiver on-board the LEO satellite. Corrections are received at the LEO satellite. The corrections are processed on-board the LEO satellite such that a corrected LEO satellite position estimate of the LEO satellite is generated for the first position estimate.