Performance assessment of GNSS-based real-time navigation for the Sentinel-6 spacecraft

Abstract The feasibility of precise real-time orbit determination low earth satellites using onboard GNSS observations is assessed six months flight data from the Sentinel-6A mission. Based on offline processing dual-constellation pseudorange and carrier phase measurements as well broadcast ephemerides in a sequential filter with reduced dynamic force model, navigation solutions representative position error 10 cm (3D RMS) are achieved. overall performance largely enabled by superior quality Galileo ephemerides, which exhibits two- to three-times smaller signal-in-space-range than GPS allows for geodetic-grade without need external correction services. Compared GPS-only processing, roughly two-times better accuracy achieved Galileo-only or mixed GPS/Galileo processing. On other hand, tracking offers useful complement additional robustness view still incomplete constellation. Furthermore, it provides improved autonomy process through availability orientation parameters new civil message L2C signal. Overall, GNSS-based can now reach similar DORIS (Doppler Orbitography Radiopositioning Integrated Satellite) system. It lends itself viable alternative future remote sensing missions.