Comparison of shadow models and their impact on precise orbit determination of BeiDou satellites during eclipsing phases

Abstract Solar radiation pressure (SRP) is an extremely critical perturbative force that affects the GNSS satellites’ precise orbit determination (POD). Its imperfect modelling one of main error sources POD, whose magnitude even to10 −9 m/s 2 . The shadow factor (i.e., eclipse factor) crucial parameter SRP, generally estimated by cylindrical model, conical or models considering Earth’s oblateness and atmospheric effect, such as Perspective Projection Method atmosphere (PPMatm) model with Oblateness Lower Atmospheric Absorption, Refraction, Scattering Curve Fit (SOLAARS-CF) model. This paper applies former four to determine corresponding using BeiDou ground-based observation, then compared assessed accuracy through Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) validation Inter-Satellite Link (ISL) check. results show PPMatm model’s equivalent SOLAARS-CF Compared SLR validations from can be improved 2–10 mm; ISL range check shows Root Mean Square (RMS) decreased 2–7 mm. These in POD should fully consider especially for acceleration higher than 10 –10 Graphical