An Alternative Orbit Integration Algorithm for GPS-Based Precise LEO Autonomous Navigation

Single-epoch point positioning with the global positioning system (GPS) is as accurate in low orbit as it is on the ground: typically a three-dimensional rms accuracy of 20 to 30 m as the selective availability turns to zero. This is achieved at any observation epoch without orbit dynamic information. With sophisticated models and filtering techniques onboard the spacecraft, the orbit accuracy of a Low Earth Orbiter (LEO) can be improved to a few meters using the civilian broadcast GPS signals. To achieve this accuracy autonomously in real time, an efficient onboard computing processor is required to carry out the sophisticated orbit integration and filtering process.In this paper, a new orbit integrator is presented that computes the nominal orbit states (the position and velocity) and the state transition equations with numerical methods of integral equation, instead of differential equation usually used for orbit computation. The algorithm is simple, and can be easily embedded in an onboard processor. The numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method of the integral equation provides precise orbit predictions over several orbits. The sequential filter based on the above integrator allows the use of simple orbit state equations to efficiently correct dynamical model errors with precise GPS measurements or improve the orbits using GPS navigaion solutions from the 3D rms accuracy of 26 m to 3.7 m within a few hours of tracking. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.