Computer simulation of radio positioning based on satellite Doppler observation

Computer simulations of position determination have been carried out in relation to the concept of satellite-aided search and rescue system, in which the distress signals are caught by an orbiting satellite and their source positions are determined by observed Doppler shift of the signals. Accuracy of the position determination is described, with its dependence upon the quality of orbital information of the satellite and upon the quality and quantity of the Doppler observation. Presented is a method which improves the accuracy of position determination by using a ground refernce point and by treating both of the orbit and the position as unknowns to be solved.