Cost-Efficient LEO Navigation Augmentation Constellation Design under a Constrained Deployment Approach

Abstract

The advantages of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite include low-latency communications, shorter positioning time, higher positioning accuracy, and lower launching, building, and maintenance costs. Thus, the introduction of LEO satellite constellation as a regional navigation augmentation system for the current navigation constellations is studied in this paper. To achieve the navigation performance requirement with the least system cost, a synthetic approach is presented to design and deploy a cost-efficient LEO navigation augmentation constellation over 108 key cities. To achieve lower construction costs, the constellation is designed to be deployed by constrained piggyback launches, which brings additional complexity to the constellation design. Two optimization models with discrete and continuous performance indices are established. They are solved by the genetic algorithm and differential evolution algorithm, and both Walker and Flower constellations are adopted. Results for 77 and 70 satellites are obtained. During the construction phase, a synthesis procedure containing five impulses is proposed by utilizing natural drift under J 2 perturbation. This work presents a method for designing the optimal LEO navigation constellation under a constraint deployment approach with the lowest construction cost and a strategy to deploy the constellation economically.

Practical Use of Starlink Downlink Tones for Positioning

“…Several studies have investigated the use of LEO satellites for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) purposes [ 3 ], either as a dedicated system for navigation (i.e., LEO-PNT), or passively, where they are used as signals of opportunity (i.e., LEO-SOP). First, LEO-PNT has benefited primarily from academy research [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. At present, a LEO-PNT system is being developed by Xona [ 7 ], while Iridium has been “augmented” with a special navigation message by Satelles [ 8 ] to enable location and time synchronization.…”

Low-Orbit Large-Scale Communication Satellite Constellation Configuration Performance Assessment

“…A reasonable and effective assessment method is needed to analyze low-orbit large-scale communication satellite constellation configurations. Aiming at the characteristics of low-orbit large-scale communication satellite constellations and combining the evaluation models of medium-and high-orbit satellites or constellations, this paper improves the current evaluation method, establishes an evaluation model applicable to the configuration of low-orbit satellite constellations, and uses the simulation model to compare and analyze the current typical low-orbit constellations [5,6].…”