A small variance in the L5 signal, which remains well within signal specifications and will not affect pseudorange measurements, may show some impact on triple-frequency combinations of the signal’s carrier phase in high-precision applications. Observations suggest a temperature-dependent line bias in one or more carriers as a likely cause of the observed variation in the tri-carrier combination of L1, L2, and L5.
Researchers at the German Aerospace Center say they have found a small variance in the L5 signal on IIF-1. The signal variation results in no more than a 5-centimeter error with a predictable periodicity of about six hours. The GPS Wing is studying the issue and expects to resolve it before setting the satellite healthy, in another month or so according to the schedule.
The L5 signal of the new Block IIF satellite shows a very favorable signal strength (Fig. 1), which is somewhere in between the L1 and L2C signal strength for the employed antenna and slightly higher than that of the GIOVE-A/B satellites. While the L5 test signal of the second-last Block IIR-M satellite (PRN1/SVN49) is transmitted through a narrow beam antenna and shows a steep variation with elevation angle, the new satellite exhibits an almost constant flux irrespective of the boresight angle.
At press time, GPS spacecraft IIF-1 was set to be launched May 27 from Cape Canaveral Air […]
Galileo ICD, Free at Last The European Commission (EC) has published an updated Galileo Open Service Signal-In-Space Interface […]
“This is an event where one gets one’s goals for the next year.” Paul Verhoef, program director for […]
The first Block IIF satellite destined for orbit arrived at the Navstar Processing Facility at Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard an Air Force C-17 cargo aircraft on February 12. It is now undergoing preparations for its launch this spring on a Delta IV rocket. Block IIF will enhance GPS performance by reportedly providing twice the navigational accuracy of heritage satellites, more robust signals for commercial aviation and search-and-rescue, and greater resistance to jamming in hostile environments. Plus: GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, 24+3 FAQ, and AEP 5.5C software update.
The U.S. Air Force GPS Wing and 50th Space Wing have begun repositioning GPS satellites in space to fly what they call the 24+3 or Expandable 24 constellation plan. The initiative will take up to 24 months to fully implement. Benefits to users will be slowly realized during that time, as the number of GPS satellites in view will increase, potentially increasing GPS receiver accuracy. Plus: Penny-Wise, Pound-Foolish U.S. Coast Guard to Pull Loran Plug; Galileo Satellites Awarded to OHB; Compass at Three
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