Collection

Satellite Orbit Determination

Submission status
Open
Open for submission from
01 January 2020
Submission deadline
Ongoing
This Topical Collection focuses on satellite orbit determination, mainly supporting a wide range of space objects using ground-based tracking systems, such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) and Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS). For a high-orbit navigation satellite, the orbit is a reference datum for its ranging measurement, used for positioning, navigation, and timing applications. As to low earth orbit (LEO) satellites for earth observation, the orbital information serves as a probe for detecting large-scale geodynamic and geophysical signals, e.g., observing mass transport, sea level rise, glaciology, etc. In addition, micro-satellite constellations are also targeted and can be used to explore new opportunities in space. Satellite orbit determination essentially consists of 1) detailed force models, 2) availability of ground-based tracking systems, 3) high-precise time and frequency standard, and 4) high-accurate station coordinates in connection to a well-defined reference frame. Errors in each component may bias the orbit solution to some extent. Nowadays, the accuracy of the satellite orbit determination is mainly limited by the following areas: 1) non-gravitational forces modeling, e.g., solar radiation pressure, earth radiation pressure, and antenna thrust, 2) satellite attitude control modeling, 3) time-variable gravity field, 4) antenna phase center corrections, 5) ionospheric activities, and 6) tracking data quality associated with the clock stability. We welcome contributions not only to these areas but also to the improvement of geodetic parameters and model estimation using new orbit modeling techniques. The manuscripts should address detailed theory and reflect practical knowledge about orbit determination. The Guest Editors require that all data be available in a repository or be submitted along with the manuscript at the first submission to be included in the topical collection. If data cannot be made available at that time, the manuscript will be treated as a non-topical collection paper.

Editors

  • Santosh Bhattarai Santosh Bhattarai , 

    Santosh Bhattarai

    Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering University College London

  • Tzu-Pang Tseng Tzu-Pang Tseng  &

    Tzu-Pang Tseng

    Department of Civil Engineering National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology

  • Tang Long Ph.D. Tang Long Ph.D.

    Tang Long Ph.D.

    Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center

Articles (21 in this collection)