Future GNSS constellations with optical inter-satellite links. Preliminary space segment analyses.

Abstract

A potential development in future Global Navigation Satellite Systems is the use of optical inter-satellite links and optical frequency references to provide enhanced navigation and timing services. These services are chiefly dependent on the tight synchronization of signals broadcast by the constellation's satellites, which in turn depend on the stability of their frequency references, the capabilities of time and frequency transfer schemes, and the accuracy of system's orbit determination. This paper discusses recent efforts to design orbits for a constellation of satellites interconnected via optical links. It reports progresses on a linking rule to schedule communication between the elements of the constellation in support of continuous and reliable synchronization capabilities, as well as work on precise orbit determination.