Analysis of the Effects of Earth Shadowing on GNSS Satellite Orbits
Original version
Preiss, G. & Zubinaite, V. (2011). Analysis of the Effects of Earth Shadowing on GNSS Satellite Orbits. I: International Conference on Environmental Engineering (ICEE), b. The 8th International Conference "Environmental Engineering", Selected Papers, May 19-20, 2011, Vilnius, Lithuania, s. 1436-1439, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University Press “Technika”.Abstract
Precise positioning by GNSS might incur some error when one or more of the satellites that are being observed
happen to be in Earth shadow – in eclipse. This effect might be worsened if the Earth is passing through a
period of stormy solar weather. It is therefore of considerable interest to be able to examine satellite orbital degeneration
while in eclipse compared to when not in eclipse.
This paper develops the connections between the methods of describing the motions of the Sun and GNSS satellites
in, respectively, the astronomical and the Earth-centred systems. On this basis, tools are prepared for determining and
predicting when individual satellites are, or are not, in eclipse, leading further to more advanced tools for predicting
eclipse seasons in advance. Additionally, some experiments are described comparing predicted orbits with observed
satellite orbits under both eclipse and non-eclipse conditions.
In conclusion this paper describes how the normal modern high precision land surveyor should take account of the
eclipse phenomenon in planning measurement missions.
Description
This is the publisher's version originally published in "The 8th International Conference Environmental Engineering, Selected Papers, May 19-20, 2011, Vilnius, Lithuania"(ISBN 978-9955-28-829-9). Reprinted with permission from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University Press “Technika” Vilnius.