Differential GPS: An Enabling Technology for Formation Flying Satellites

The differential processing of carrier phase measurements from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is a well know technique for relative positioning in terrestrial and aeronautical applications. Over the past decade intensive research has been conducted to demonstrate its suitability for high-precision relative navigation of spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO). This chapter describes the fundamental concepts of differential GNSS and its application to spacecraft formation flying. A review of past achievements is given and the practical aspects of differential GPS are discussed for real-time and offline navigation in the upcoming PRISMA and TerraSAR-X missions.

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