Consistency of Galileo satellite antenna phase center offsets

Abstract Information about satellite antenna phase center offsets (PCOs) is indispensable for high-precision applications of global navigation systems. Pre-flight manufacturer calibrations the PCOs are available all individual Galileo satellites and each frequency. So far, geodetic usage focused on ionosphere-free linear combination E1 E5a signals. In view growing number E5b- E6-capable receivers upcoming multi-frequency applications, consistency PCO values different frequencies becomes a topic increasing importance. have been estimated from combinations E1/E5a, E1/E5b, E1/E6. The mean horizontal agree few millimeter level. X-PCOs show bias 1 cm compared to calibrations, whereas Y-PCOs free such bias. Z-PCOs systematic offset $$-11$$ - 11 $${-15}$$ 15 w.r.t. due scale inconsistencies current version International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF2020) calibrations. maximum Z-PCO difference between various amounts 4 provides measure presently achieved ground space across frequencies. This inconsistency would translate into height differences 1.6 mm associated terrestrial reference frame 0.25 ppb, when adjusting station coordinates with calibrated frequency pairs.