Test and Evaluation of the Distributed Autonomous Orbit Determination with the BDS Inter-satellite Ranging Data

The new generation satellites of the BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS) all carry the inter-satellite payload in Ka band, which can support the realization of the inter-satellite ranging and information interaction. Firstly, we propose the process of the distributed orbit determination algorithm, develops a ground testing software and propose a strategy for the autonomous orbit determination. Secondly, we analyze the constellation geometry and the inter-satellite ranging error of the 18 Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites in BDS-3 constellation. Finally, the 60 days results of the autonomous orbit determination are given based on the actual inter-satellite ranging data and compared with the precision orbit. The results demonstrate that the inter-satellite status of BDS is rather stable and the constellation geometry can support the autonomous orbit determination for the distributed navigation constellation with 18 MEO satellites; the simulation accuracy of the autonomous orbit determination is 0.80 m, which confirms the validity of the proposed method and establish a firm foundation for the engineering implementation of the autonomous navigation for the BDS.