GPS Signals in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit: 'Falcon Gold' Data Processing

摘要

The U.S. Air Force Academy sponsored experiment 'Falcon Gold' was flown in November 1997 to measure GPS signals at high orbital altitudes using the NAVSYS TIDGET sensor. This sensor collects and digitizes short intervals of RF energy which can be processed to extract any GPS signals present in the data. In cooperation with NAVSYS and U.S. Air Force Academy personnel, analysts at The Aerospace Corporation obtained and processed the Falcon Gold spacecraft data. The methods and results of the data processing are presented here. The analysis has yielded positive confirmation of GPS signal detection at altitudes approaching geosynchronous orbit, and provides valuable information for future geosynchronous GPS users.