A statistical study of the differential very long baseline interferometry delay rate error budget
Abstract
The delta differential one-way Doppler (delta-DOD) error budget is assessed by analyzing 12 years of dual-frequency Deep Space Network very long baseline interferometry data. A typical delta-DOD observation is outlined, and the Magellan error budget along with tropospheric effects are considered. Formation of quasar-quasar observables, RMS delta-DOD residual, angular source separation and time separation between observations are discussed, along with elevation angle and atmospheric pathlength dependence, solar-plasma and ionospheric effects. It is concluded that the weak dependence of the delta-DOD error on angular source separation can mean that quasars with larger angular separation from a spacecraft may be used as navigation reference with little increase in the delta-DOD error. It is also indicated that the delta-DOD errors are dominated by wet troposphere fluctuations, and the results of numerical integrations for the single-station RMS delay rate at different elevation angles are presented.
- Publication:
-
Astrodynamics 1989
- Pub Date:
- 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990asdy.conf..553E
- Keywords:
-
- Interplanetary Navigation;
- Orbital Position Estimation;
- Spacecraft Tracking;
- Very Long Base Interferometry;
- Doppler Navigation;
- Magellan Project (Nasa);
- Position Errors;
- Statistical Analysis;
- Time Lag;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking