Ionospheric correction for spaceborne single-frequency GPS based on single layer model

A modified ionospheric correction method and the corresponding approximate algorithm for spaceborne single-frequency Global Positioning System (GPS) users are proposed in this study. Single Layer Model (SLM) mapping function for spaceborne GPS was analyzed. SLM mapping functions at different altitudes were calculated. Ionospheric Pierce Point (IPP) trajectories of the dlft station (An IGS station located at the longitude of 4°23′15.22′′E and the latitude of 51°59′9.63′′N, in the TU Delft University, The Netherlands.) and the GRACE satellite were computed with the corresponding single layer height of 350 and 500 km, respectively. The Klobuchar model was used to compute ionospheric delays for the dlft station, and modified Klobuchar model, together with scale factors, was used to compute the fractional ionospheric corrections above the GRACE altitudes. Calculation results were validated using dual-frequency observations. The study shows that the single layer height needs to be changed from 350 to 500 km according to the altitude of GRACE. Approximate forms of Earth angle and slant factor developed for modified Klobuchar model are applicable to GRACE, with accuracy adequate to preserve the essential elements required to compute ionospheric delays. Results show that the Klobuchar model is effective for ground GPS, and the modified Klobuchar model corrects more than 80% on average of the ionospheric delays for spaceborne single-frequency GPS.

[1]  Per Enge,et al.  Ionospheric Effects On Gps , 1996 .

[2]  Dieter Bilitza,et al.  Goals and status of the International Reference Ionosphere , 1978 .

[3]  M. Massaro,et al.  Ionospheric models comparison for single-frequency GNSS positioning , 2011 .

[4]  Yan Xu,et al.  GPS: Theory, Algorithms and Applications , 2003 .

[5]  Jaume Sanz,et al.  Performance of different TEC models to provide GPS ionospheric corrections , 2002 .

[6]  Dale N. Anderson,et al.  Parameterized ionospheric model: A global ionospheric parameterization based on first principles models , 1995 .

[7]  Jun Zhang,et al.  Research of Ionospheric Time-Delay Error Simulation in High Dynamic GPS Signal Simulator , 2003 .

[8]  Dieter Bilitza,et al.  International reference ionosphere: Recent developments , 1986 .

[9]  John A. Klobuchar,et al.  Design and characteristics of the GPS ionospheric time delay algorithm for single frequency users , 1986 .

[10]  Michele Grassi,et al.  Ionospheric path delay models for spaceborne GPS receivers flying in formation with large baselines , 2011 .

[11]  R. Kroes,et al.  Precise relative positioning offormation flying Spacecraft using GPS , 2006 .

[12]  Ding Feng,et al.  Experimental observation and statistical analysis of the vertical TEC mapping function , 2010 .

[13]  R. Grenfell,et al.  Refining the Klobuchar ionospheric coefficients based on GPS observations , 2008, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems.

[14]  Anthony J. Mannucci,et al.  A global mapping technique for GPS‐derived ionospheric total electron content measurements , 1998 .

[15]  Dieter Bilitza,et al.  International reference ionosphere , 1978 .

[16]  J. Klobuchar.  Ionospheric Time-Delay Algorithm for Single-Frequency GPS Users , 1987, IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems.

[17]  Oliver Montenbruck,et al.  Ionospheric Correction for GPS Tracking of LEO Satellites , 2002, Journal of Navigation.

[18]  D. Bilitza,et al.  International Reference Ionosphere 2007: Improvements and new parameters , 2008 .

[19]  L. Mervart,et al.  Bernese GPS Software Version 5.0 , 2007 .

[20]  O. Montenbruck,et al.  Real-Time Navigation of Formation-Flying Spacecraft , 2005 .

[21]  Oliver Montenbruck,et al.  Low Earth orbit satellite navigation errors and vertical total electron content in single‐frequency GPS tracking , 2006 .

[22]  E. Glenn Lightsey,et al.  Integrated Hardware Investigations of Precision Spacecraft Rendezvous Using the Global Positioning System , 2003 .

[23]  Lee-Anne McKinnell,et al.  The international reference ionosphere today and in the future , 2011 .

[24]  Bodo W. Reinisch,et al.  International Reference Ionosphere 2000 , 2001 .

[25]  Pascal Willis,et al.  First assessment of GPS-based reduced dynamic orbit determination on TOPEX/Poseidon , 1994 .