Title: Development of low-cost spaceborne multi-frequency GNSS receiver for navigation and GNSS remote sensing

Authors: Martin Unwin; Steven Gao; R. De Vos Van Steenwijk; Philip Jales; Mozam Maqsood; Christine Gommenginger; Julian Rose; Cathryn Mitchell; Kim Partington

Addresses: Surrey Satellite Technology Limited Guildford, GU2 7YE, UK ' Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK ' Surrey Satellite Technology Limited Guildford, GU2 7YE, UK ' Surrey Satellite Technology Limited Guildford, GU2 7YE, UK ' Surrey Space Centre, University of Surrey Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK ' National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, SO14 3ZH, UK ' University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK ' University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK ' Polar Imaging Ltd., Hampshire, SP11 0BA, UK

Abstract: This paper describes the development of a new generation of low-cost spaceborne multi-frequency global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) receivers for navigation and GNSS remote sensing applications. The spaceborne GNSS receiver-remote sensing instrument (SGR-ReSI) uses reflectometry to gather data, which may be used to derive information about the Earth: ocean, atmosphere, land, snow and ice. First, a review of the GNSS remote sensing including GNSS-reflectometry and radio occultation is presented. Then, the science and operational needs of GNSS receivers for the remote sensing of ocean, atmosphere, land, snow and ice are discussed. The design and development of a new generation of low-cost spaceborne multi-frequency GNSS receivers for navigation and GNSS remote sensing are described. Detailed results and designs of dual-band antennas and arrays for navigation, radio occultation and GNSS-reflectometry are presented. GNSS receiver designs, including both the software and hardware, are also explained. The processing algorithms and modelling techniques are described. Some initial results are also illustrated. This paper ends with discussions of future flight opportunities and a conclusion.

Keywords: spaceborne GNSS receivers; dual-band antennas; reflectometry; radio occultation; GNSS remote sensing; low-cost GNSS receivers; global navigation satellite systems; GNSS receiver design; navigation satellites.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPACESE.2013.051757

International Journal of Space Science and Engineering, 2013 Vol.1 No.1, pp.20 - 50

Received: 22 Aug 2012
Accepted: 24 Aug 2012
Published online: 30 Apr 2014 *

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