초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a system for providing highly accurate position estimates for a vehicle in space, in substantially real time. The system includes a Mission Control Center (MCC) that calculates precise orbits for GPS satellites that are in view of the vehicle, using GPS tracking data

The present invention relates to a system for providing highly accurate position estimates for a vehicle in space, in substantially real time. The system includes a Mission Control Center (MCC) that calculates precise orbits for GPS satellites that are in view of the vehicle, using GPS tracking data from the worldwide network of tracking sites. Because the tracking data from the tracking sites is not current when received by the MCC, the precise GPS orbits are "propagated forward in time" by the MCC. The propagated orbit information is uploaded to the user satellite where it is processed in an extended Kalman filter, or similar device, along with the real time output of the on-board GPS receiver, to achieve highly accurate satellite location estimates in substantially real time.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for estimating orbit information of a space system, comprising:obtaining first orbit information relating to positions of a plurality of space vehicles at a first time;predicting, using said first orbit information, second orbit information relating to positions

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for estimating orbit information of a space system, comprising:obtaining first orbit information relating to positions of a plurality of space vehicles at a first time;predicting, using said first orbit information, second orbit information relating to positions of said plurality of space vehicles at a second time, wherein said second time occurs after said first time;providing third orbit information relating to positions of said space vehicles at a third time, wherein said third orbit information is different from said first and second orbit information; andusing said second and third orbit information to estimate orbit data for a space system that is not part of said plurality of space vehicles.