Tradespace analysis of GNSS Space Segment Architectures

TL;DR

This paper explores the design space of GNSS satellite constellations, considering technological advances and threats, and finds that certain orbital configurations can outperform current systems in cost and robustness.

Contribution

It revisits GNSS space segment design decisions using modern analysis techniques, providing new insights into optimal constellation configurations.

Findings

Constellations at ~2 Earth radii can outperform current GNSS in cost and robustness.

Sensitivity analysis highlights key factors influencing performance.

Association rule mining identifies optimal design trade-offs.

Abstract

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) provide ubiquitous, continuous and reliable positioning, navigation and timing information around the world. However, GNSS space segment design decisions have been based on the precursor Global Positioning System (GPS), which was designed in the 70s. This paper revisits those early design decisions in view of major technological advancements and new GNSS environmental threats. The rich tradespace between User Navigation Error (UNE) performance and constellation deployment costs is explored and conclusions are complemented by sensitivity analysis and association rule mining. This study finds that constellations at an orbit altitude of ~2 Earth radii can outperform existing GNSS in terms of cost, robustness and UNE. These insights should be taken into account when designing future generations of GNSS.