A new method to estimate GPS satellite and receiver differential code biases using a network of LEO satellites

Abstract The differential code biases (DCBs) of the global positioning system (GPS) receiver onboard low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are commonly estimated by a local spherical symmetry assumption together with known GPS satellite DCBs from ground-based observations. Nowadays, more and LEO equipped receivers for precise determination, which provides unique chance to estimate both without any ground data. A new method using network is proposed. multi-layer mapping function (MF) used combine multi-LEO data at varying heights. First, model simulations conducted compare vertical total electron content (VTEC) derived MF reference VTEC obtained empirical ionosphere International Reference Ionosphere Global Core Plasmasphere Model. Second, collected five missions, including ten simultaneously MF. results show that DCB solutions space-based consistent provided Centre Orbit Determination in Europe. proposed normalization procedure combining topside observations different missions has potential improve accuracies Navigation Satellite Systems as well satellites, although number spatial–temporal coverage limited.