Satellite attitude determination using GPS

Summary form only given. The usual techniques of satellite attitude determination, such as utilizing inertial guidance components, are fairly expensive, especially if high accuracies are required for the mission. The authors explore a lower-cost alternative yielding equal or better accuracies, reliability, and repeatability. The approach under consideration utilizes the Global Positioning System (GPS) with either multiple antennas for one or more receivers spaced appropriately on the outer surface of the spacecraft. Consideration has also been given to supplementing GPS with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) in order to increase the number of satellites visible at all times. The effects of this combination are discussed not only in terms of coverage but also to whether accuracy is enhanced or degraded due to the inherent characteristics of GLONASS. It has been demonstrated by simulation that satellite attitude determination using GPS is feasible, practical, and cost-effective for a variety of missions.<>