Design, development and testing of an EQM model of a multi-frequency and multi- constellation GNSS receiver. The targeted applications are precise orbit determination (POD) for Earth observation, GTO-to-GEO transfer navigation, GEO and beyond-GEO (i.e. HEO)satellites. The EQM is the continuation of the EM (GAMIR-1 activity), under development in GSTP5.1.

 

 

ESA is pursuing a new generation of high precision, multi-frequency GNSS receivers based on the AGGA-4 chips. This will be applicable to many different space mission types (see objectives) and to different purposes as supporting Earth observation measurements via Precise Orbit determination, Radio-occultation, absolute navigation for GNC/AOCS, relative navigation for constellations and formation flying. Compared to the present technology, the new generation will allow handling heritage and modernised GPS and Galileo signals and will extend application beyond LEO. The expected performance is in the cm range for orbit determination.The activity shall include the following tasks:- updated design of the Power Interface and Antenna Modules (compared to GAMIR EM) to EQM level with capability of handling multiple antennas at the same time,- casing mechanical and thermal design,- assessment of UARTs TM/TC data interface,- SW detailed development,- manufacturing of EQM,- functional and performance testing before and after environmental testing, including cold and warm start,- mechanical (static, sine, random, shock) qualification according to Proba-3 loads that are deemed representative of a spectrum of missions,- thermal qualification,- EMC verification,- SW validation (but not yet full qualification, as this will have to be achieved according to the specific application requirements).Requirements will include the flight demonstration onboard of Proba-3 mission that would allow:- performance testing throughout the whole range of future application orbits(i.e. LEO to HEO)- validation of use for relative GPS for satelite constellations- first operational use of Galileo constellation for precise orbit determination