Satellite Geodesy

Introducing students to the possibilities of using Earth's artificial satellites to solve basic geodetic tasks of positioning, determining the gravity field and geodynamics.

Students will be introduced to the basic theory of satellite motion and the types of satellite measurements that can be used for positioning, gravity field determination, and geodynamic research. The acquired knowledge will enable students to more easily master the capabilities of satellite systems and techniques used in geodesy, with a focus on the widely used NAVSTAR GPS satellite system.

Definition, tasks and basic concept of satellite geodesy. Reference coordinate and time systems of satellite geodesy. Propagation of electromagnetic waves through the Earth's atmosphere. The two-body problem. Kepler's orbital elements. Types of satellite orbits. Gravitational and non-gravitational disturbance accelerations. Measuring directions, distances and distance changes. Interferometric measurements. Absolute and relative positioning. Trilateration and Doppler positioning. Pseudorange positioning models. Satellites as sensors of the Earth's gravitational field. Satellites as a geodynamic tool. NAVSTAR GPS system architecture. GPS signal structure. Code and phase pseudoranges measurements. Code and phase pseudoranges measurement errors. A functional model of the original GPS measurements. Functional model of linear combinations. Functional model of frequency combinations. Stochastic GPS model. Mathematical model of GPS navigation solution. Mathematical model of precise point positioning (PPP). Mathematical model of relative static GPS positioning. Mathematical model of relative kinematic GPS positioning. Architecture of networks of permanent GPS stations. International standards. GLONASS and GALILEO satellite systems. Satellite laser ranging (SLR). Satellite to satellite tracking (SST). Satellite altimetry and gradiometry.

1. Seeber, G.: Satellitengeodaesie, Grundlagen, Methoden und Anwendungen. Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, New York, 1989.

   (Original)

2. Blagojević, D.: Introduction to Satellite Geodesy, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universtiy of Belgrade, Belgrade, 2014.

Elaboration of exercises.
Colloquiums.
Final exam.

Teaching is conducted through lectures and computational exercises during which students are introduced to the general basics of satellite movement and satellite measuring quantities, as well as the details of the architecture and use of the NAVSTAR GPS satellite system for solving basic geodetic tasks.