ABOUT COMPASS TIME AND ITS COORDINATION WITH OTHER GNSSs

摘要

Compass is the global satellite navigation system of China, which is in the process of construction. The first test satellite was lunched on 17 April 2007. As timekeeping infrastructure is the most important part for a GNSS system, the traceability of Compass system time (named BDT) and its coordination with other GNSSs are discussed, as is the possible link from Compass time to national standard time. The National Time Service Centre (NTSC) will most probably act as the backup timing center of the Compass system, through which Compass time can finally be traced to UTC. Offering the time offset between Compass time and other GNSS systems is considered in order to facilitate the user's need for interoperability. A prospective technique for coordinating Compass with other GNSSs, and suggestions on promoting international cooperation are proposed.