Satellite Selection Strategy and Method for Signals of Opportunity Navigation and Positioning with LEO Communication Satellites

• Published in: Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 25; no. 1; p. 267
• Main Authors: Tao, Yanhua, Guo, Yang, Wang, Shaobo, Yu, Chuanqiang, Zhu, Zimo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.01.2025; MDPI
• Subjects: Accuracy; Algorithms; Altitude; Artificial satellites; Communication; Communications equipment; Communications satellites; Doppler effect; doppler shift (DS); Electronics in navigation; GNSS-denied environment; Ground stations; LEO communication satellite; Localization; Low earth orbit satellites; Methods; precise point positioning (PPP); Satellite communications; satellite selection strategy; space-based SOPs; New Jersey; China; GNSS-denied environment; LEO communication satellite; space-based SOPs; doppler shift (DS); satellite selection strategy; precise point positioning (PPP)
• ISSN: 1424-8220; 1424-8220
• DOI: 10.3390/s25010267

Experts and scholars from various nations have proposed studying low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite signals as the space-based signals of opportunity (SOPs) for navigation and positioning. This method serves as a robust alternative in environments where global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are unavailable or compromised, providing users with high-precision, anti-interference, secure, and dependable backup navigation solutions. The rapid evolution of LEO communication constellations has spurred the development of SOPs positioning technology using LEO satellites. However, this has also led to a substantial increase in the number of LEO satellites, thereby reintroducing the traditional challenge of satellite selection. This research thoroughly examines three critical factors affecting positioning accuracy: satellite observable time, satellite elevation, and position dilution of precision (PDOP). It introduces a strategic approach for selecting satellites in LEO SOPs navigation and positioning. Simulation outcomes confirm that this satellite selection strategy effectively identifies visible satellites, ensuring precise positioning through LEO SOPs.