Feasibility of GNSS receivers for satellite navigation in GEO and higher altitudes

GPS is successfully used for spacecraft navigation in low Earth orbits. This paper investigates the feasibility of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers for spacecraft navigation in GEO, GTO, and higher orbits. The study is based on the experience gained at EADS Astrium from developing GNSS receivers for satellites as well as the requirements and feedback from satellite manufacturers and operators. The performance results are computed using the onboard navigation core algorithms of the MosaicGNSS receiver and the LION Navigator.