Framework to Emulate Spacecraft Orbital Positioning Using GNSS Hardware in the Loop.

Area of Science:

• Spacecraft dynamics and control
• Satellite navigation systems
• Aerospace engineering

Background:

• Evaluating new orbital positioning algorithms requires realistic testing environments.
• Traditional methods for simulating spacecraft orbits with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are limited.
• Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation offers a promising approach for advanced testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel framework for emulating spacecraft orbits using GNSS hardware-in-the-loop simulation.
• To enable the rigorous evaluation of innovative orbital positioning algorithms.
• To validate the framework's accuracy in determining spacecraft positions.

Main Methods:

• Developing a software framework to generate spacecraft orbits and GNSS signals, incorporating common perturbations.
• Utilizing software-defined radio (SDR) for modulating and transmitting the generated GNSS signals.
• Employing a commercial Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for signal reception and initial position determination.
• Processing raw receiver data to determine spacecraft positions via software, particularly for challenging orbital regimes.

Main Results:

• The GNSS hardware-in-the-loop framework successfully emulates spacecraft orbits.
• The system accurately determines spacecraft positions during validation tests using a known orbit.
• Spacecraft positions were successfully determined in software using raw receiver data for a low Earth orbit scenario where civil GPS receivers are non-operational.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework provides a viable and accurate method for emulating spacecraft orbits with GNSS signals.
• This HIL approach facilitates the testing and validation of new orbital positioning algorithms under realistic conditions.
• The framework demonstrates potential for spacecraft navigation in challenging environments, such as low Earth orbit.