Antenna and attitude modeling of modernized GLONASS satellites

Abstract

Next to the legacy frequency division multiple access (FDMA) signals in the L1 and L2 band, modernized GLONASS satellites of the M+, K1, and K2 generation also transmit new code division multiple access (CDMA) signals on L3, and, in part, the L1 and L2 frequencies. Depending on the specific satellite platform, either a common antenna or two distinct antennas are used for the individual signals. As a novel feature, the new CDMA navigation messages provide information on the antenna phase center locations as well as the spacecraft orientation during rate-limited noon and midnight turns. We establish a comprehensive set of phase center positions for the individual GLONASS antennas from manufacturer data and information in the CDMA navigation messages, inferred from the comparison of FDMA and CDMA broadcast ephemerides, and obtained from antenna baseline estimates using a triple-frequency carrier phase combination. Based on these, reference values for the signal-specific PCOs of each block of modernized GLONASS spacecraft are derived that may be used to extend the current antenna model of the International GNSS Service (IGS) to all frequency bands. Complementary to the analysis of antenna phase center information, the new CDMA attitude model for GLONASS-K satellites is reviewed. Algorithms for computing relevant parameters of the rate-limited yaw slews including the ramp-up and -down phase based on the Sun/orbit geometry are derived that enable a concise attitude modeling in GLONASS orbit determination and precise point positioning. The model is validated through comparison with yaw angle estimates derived from triple-frequency observations showing consistency at the 1° level for the K2 satellite. On the other hand, unexpected accelerations during noon turns of GLONASS-M+ are identified, which may cause short-term yaw angle deviations of up to 20° relative to attitude models in common use within the IGS.