Position estimation in a low earth orbit satellite communications system
US10955563B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2017 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B7/18523
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for estimating the position of a terminal in a satellite communication at either the ground station or in the satellite is described. The method uses estimates of the time delay, Doppler and/or Doppler Rate of signals transmitted from the terminal to the satellite together with an estimate of the satellite position. The method can be used with both synchronised terminals and unsynchronised terminals provided they have a stable time or frequency reference as well as with low earth orbit satellites both with and without on-board global position and timing references. Additionally the method can also use estimates of the time delay, Doppler or Doppler rate of beacon signals received by either the satellite or terminals. These beacon signals may include GPS L1 signals. In contrast to standard GPS receivers, the method does not require the terminal to store GPS ephemeris data or to operate continuously.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.