Variable Length Pseudo Noise (PN) Ranging System for Satellite Multiple Missions

In satellite operations and space exploration missions, a ranging is one of the most essential technologies to get its navigational information of space probes. Recently, the importance of cross-support between space agencies is increasing for more fine performance of space mission. For cross-support, mutually compatible ranging system between space agencies is recommended. For these reasons, the consultative committee for space data systems (CCSDS) recommends pseudo noise (PN) ranging as a digital standard ranging system. The length of PN sequence in CCSDS standard is proper for deep space missions, however, it is too long to use for ranging in near earth missions. In this paper, we propose Variable Length PN sequence schemes suitable for ranging of near earth satellites, such as low-earth orbit (LEO), medium-earth orbit (MEO) and Geostationary orbit (GEO). Therefore we propose variable length PN sequence ranging system including CCSDS standard for multiple missions.