Modelling and Analysis of Emitter Geolocation using Satellite Tool Kit

Abstract

This paper considers geolocation of a stationary radio frequency emitter which is being steered by multiple antennas installed on a geostationary satellite using received signal strength metric. The difference in the signal strengths is measured by the antennas and subsequently plotted as lines of position on the surface of the earth. Intersection of these two or more lines of position indicates the location of the terrestrial radio frequency transmitters. This problem is appropriately modelled using a satellite tool kit that simulates the space environment involving satellites, antennas, emitters, etc in a realistic and integrated manner. Accuracy and size of the geolocation area depend on the distance between emitters and the receiver and also on the contour widths geometry. Results of geolocation accuracy are compared by installing the radio frequency emitter at increasing latitudes and at varying contour widths. It is observed that the emitters placed at lower latitudes and having smaller contour widths provided higher accuracy in geolocation that validates the proposed formulation.