Simulation of the Use of Variance Component Estimation in Relative Weighting of Inter-Satellite Links and GNSS Measurements

Inter-satellite links (ISLs) can improve the performance of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in terms precise orbit determination, communication, and data-exchange capabilities. This research aimed to evaluate a simulation-based processing strategy involving exploitation ISLs determination Galileo satellites, which are not equipped with operational ISLs. The estimation process is first tested based on relative weighting coefficients obtained methods variance component (VCE) varying complexity calculations. Inclusion biases ISL measurements allows evaluation assessment impact three different sets ground stations: 44 16 stations distributed globally located Europe. results indicate that using VCE approaches might lower errors by up 20% negligible clock estimation. Depending applied connectivity scheme, range bias be estimated RMS between 10% 30% initial values. accuracy may associated approach number stations. this study show how introducing various simulation parameters into chain increase