Abstract:

The use of space-born GNSS receiver onboard geosyncronous communication satellite is an effective alternative orbit determination technique compared to traditional methods, although the communication satellite operator and manufacturers need some proof. In this study, GPS-based range measurement via space-born receivers’ onboard communication satellite platforms was proposed for precise orbit determination of geostationary satellites. Thus this research investigates how proposed method can be applied to obtain reliable and sustainable results. The analysis was performed to find out the accuracy and validity of the proposed method. Moreover, the results were compared with the simulation of four satellites’ orbital parameters at different orbital slots. The sequential process (SP) Kalman filter method was chosen to process the measured data. The processing method was kept the same for all analyses to investigate the gathered measurement data effects. The results show that the average position differences between the determined and actual orbit are 17.613 m, 13.637 m and 14.998 m, for in-track, cross-track, and radial direction. The average in-track, cross-track, and radial velocity differences are 0.339 cm/s, 0.160 cm/s, and 0.066 cm/s respectively. The results show that the proposed method is approved in communication satellites orbit determination. The utilization of GPS satellites is a promising approach for geostationary satellite orbit determination. The communication satellites operators can utilize the GPS-based orbit determination with its benefits.

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