Mapping TLE orbital parameters to GNSS ephemeris for LEO PNT mega-constellation orbit simulations and visibility analysis

Fuente: arXiv
Gespeichert in:
Bibliographische Detailangaben
1. Verfasser: Garcia-Fernandez, Miquel
Format: Preprint
Veröffentlicht: 2024
Schlagworte:
Online-Zugang:
Tags: Tag hinzufügen
Keine Tags, Fügen Sie den ersten Tag hinzu!
_version_ 1866929230251556864
author Garcia-Fernandez, Miquel
author_facet Garcia-Fernandez, Miquel
contents The emergence of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations dedicated to positioning applications holds the promise of improving the capabilities of existing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). However, the absence of operational systems necessitates a qualitative assessment of potential improvements through simulation. This paper introduces a methodology to convert Two Line Element (TLE) orbital parameters, abundantly available for LEO constellations for communication and Earth Observation, into the widely used RINEX 4 format employed by GNSS. The primary goal is to establish a comprehensive database of LEO constellation orbits directly compatible with the orbit propagation algorithms utilized in GNSS systems like the Global Positioning System (GPS). This approach enables seamless integration into simulation tools with minimal adjustments. While TLE parameters are optimized for the SGP4 propagation model and cautioned against use in classical Kepler orbit propagation scenarios requiring precision, the obtained discrepancies, within a few tens of kilometers, suggest that these representations are realistic for simulation purposes, as demonstrated with the Spire LEMUR LEO constellation. As a practical application, the paper conducts a visibility analysis using the Starlink constellation. Results affirm expectations, showcasing that the combination of GNSS with a LEO mega-constellation significantly enhances satellite coverage and reduces Dilution of Precision. This work contributes to the ongoing discourse on the potential benefits and practicality of integrating emerging LEO constellations with established GNSS systems, offering insights into improved navigation and timing capabilities through simulation-based assessments.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2401_17767
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Mapping TLE orbital parameters to GNSS ephemeris for LEO PNT mega-constellation orbit simulations and visibility analysis
Garcia-Fernandez, Miquel
Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
Signal Processing
37M05, 70M20
I.6.5
The emergence of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations dedicated to positioning applications holds the promise of improving the capabilities of existing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). However, the absence of operational systems necessitates a qualitative assessment of potential improvements through simulation. This paper introduces a methodology to convert Two Line Element (TLE) orbital parameters, abundantly available for LEO constellations for communication and Earth Observation, into the widely used RINEX 4 format employed by GNSS. The primary goal is to establish a comprehensive database of LEO constellation orbits directly compatible with the orbit propagation algorithms utilized in GNSS systems like the Global Positioning System (GPS). This approach enables seamless integration into simulation tools with minimal adjustments. While TLE parameters are optimized for the SGP4 propagation model and cautioned against use in classical Kepler orbit propagation scenarios requiring precision, the obtained discrepancies, within a few tens of kilometers, suggest that these representations are realistic for simulation purposes, as demonstrated with the Spire LEMUR LEO constellation. As a practical application, the paper conducts a visibility analysis using the Starlink constellation. Results affirm expectations, showcasing that the combination of GNSS with a LEO mega-constellation significantly enhances satellite coverage and reduces Dilution of Precision. This work contributes to the ongoing discourse on the potential benefits and practicality of integrating emerging LEO constellations with established GNSS systems, offering insights into improved navigation and timing capabilities through simulation-based assessments.
title Mapping TLE orbital parameters to GNSS ephemeris for LEO PNT mega-constellation orbit simulations and visibility analysis
topic Earth and Planetary Astrophysics
Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
Signal Processing
37M05, 70M20
I.6.5
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.17767