Da Kuang

Topex/Jason combined GPS/DORIS orbit determination in the tandem phase

Abstract In December 2001, the Jason-1 satellite was launched to extend the long-term success of the TOPEX/POSEIDON (T/P) oceanographic mission. The goals for the Jason-1 mission represent both a significant challenge and a rare opportunity for precise orbit determination (POD) analysts. Like its predecessor, Jason-1 carries three types of POD systems: a GPS receiver, a DORIS receiver and a laser retro-reflector. In view of the 1-cm goal for radial orbit accuracy, several major improvements have been made to the POD systems: 1) the GPS “BlackJack” TurboRogue Space Receiver (TRSR) tracks up to 12 GPS spacecraft using advanced codeless tracking techniques; 2) a newly developed DORIS receiver can track two ground beacons simultaneously with lower noise. In addition, the satellite itself features more straightforward attitude behavior, and a symmetric shape, simplifying the orbit determination models compared to T/P. On the other hand, the area-to-mass ratio for Jason-1 is larger, implying larger potential surface-force errors. This paper presents Jason-1 POD results obtained at JPL using the GIPSY-OASIS II (GOA) software package. Results from standard tests (orbit overlaps, laser control points) suggest that 1 to 2 cm radial orbit precision is already being achieved using the JPL reduced-dynamic estimation approach. We also report new DORIS POD strategies that make full profit of the additional number of common DORIS observations due to the T/P·Jason-1 tandem mode of orbit as well the additional dual-channel capability of the upgraded JASON receiver (allowing simultaneous tracking of two ground stations). New information on the satellites time scale is availed through this new estimation strategy. Results show that a significant improvement to DORIS-based orbits could be gained using this strategy. Building on these results, we have extended the GIPSY/OASIS 11 software capability to more fully exploit the combined benefit of both GPS and DORIS measurements from T/P and Jason-1 in their preliminary tandem mode. POD test results are used to demonstrate the accuracy of these orbits and to compare results in different cases: DORIS-alone, and GPS and DORIS together in both single- and multi-satellite modes. On the other, we have demonstrated and explained an anomalous behavior of the on-board oscillator when crossing the South Atlantic Anomaly region. Finally, plans for future software enhancements, processing strategies and modeling improvements are presented.

Generating climate benchmark atmospheric soundings using GPS occultation data

Atmospheric soundings derived from Global Positioning System radio occultations (GPSRO) acquired in low-Earth orbit have the potential to be global climate benchmark observations of significant value to the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS). Geophysical observables such as atmospheric pressure and temperature are derived by measuring propagation delay induced by the atmosphere, a measurement whose fundamental unit-the second-is absolutely determined by calibration against atomic clocks. In this paper, we analyze the sources of systematic and random error for GPSRO soundings to determine the steps needed to establish GPSRO as a climate benchmark observation. Benchmarks require specific processing strategies and specific forms of documentation so that confidence in the accuracy and precision of the measurements is assured. Establishing calibration traceability to absolute standards (SI-traceability) is an essential strategy. We discuss a wide range of error sources in a geophysical retrieval, such as orbit determination error, signal delay in the Earths ionosphere, and quality control strategies. Uncalibrated ionospheric delay is identified as the error source deserving the most attention in establishing SI-traceability of the retrievals, to meet stringent climate observation requirements of 0.5 K accuracy and 0.04 K stability. Profile comparisons from the recently launched COSMIC constellation establish strong upper limits on systematic error arising from the individual instruments. These encouraging results suggest that GPSRO should become a permanent resource for the GCOS. These highly precise and accurate instruments can be deployed on future Earth Observation satellites at a low per-sensor cost and minimal interference to existing and planned observational programs.

Single frequency processing of atmospheric radio occultations

Tracking of the radio signals broadcast by the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites as they are occulted from a GPS receiver by the Earths atmosphere can provide high resolution vertical profiles of atmospheric refractivity, temperature and water vapour. Most implementations of this radio occultation technique use two GPS frequencies to correct for ionospheric effects. However, during most soundings, one of the frequencies is degraded by the introduction of the so-called Anti-Spoofing (AS) encryption mode. A retrieval method is discussed in this work for periods when only one of the two frequency signals has good quality. This method uses only the frequency with higher signal-to-noise ratio. We illustrate the quality of the atmospheric profiles obtained from such single frequency retrievals using GPS/MET data from the periods where the AS was turned off and the two frequencies were available. The results enable us to ensure the quality of a climate record of thousands of radio occultations collected by GPS/MET during the period with AS encryption, and the data processing of future missions with similar constraints, like IOX, can be performed.