Orbit and Clock Product Generation

Abstract

Many sophisticated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) applications require high-precision satellite orbit and clock products. The GNSS orbits and clocks are usually derived from the analysis of tracking data collected by a globally distributed GNSS receiver network. The estimation process adjusts parameters for the satellite orbits, transmitter and receiver clocks, station positions, tropospheric delays, Earth orientation, intersystem and interfrequency biases, and carrier-phase ambiguities. The estimation requires detailed modeling of geophysical processes, atmospheric and relativistic effects, receiver tracking modes, antenna phase centers, spacecraft properties, and attitude control algorithms. This chapter describes precise orbit and clock determination of the GNSS constellations as performed by the analysis centers of the International GNSS Service, including models, estimation strategies, products, and the combination of orbit and clock solutions.