Interferometric Navigation via Communication Satellite Signals of Opportunity

About

This project aims to explore the interferometric (mixed-integer) nature of the beat phase measurement protocol for various transceiver pairs over several time instances and assess the phase precision under the assumption that the locations of nodes are partially known. We showed, for the first time, that instantaneous, phase-only positioning is feasible with real-world satellite signals. To that end, we developed a new estimation method, the method of BEAT. BEAT employs the mixed-integer least-squares principle as an optimality criterion and extends the applicability of current integer estimation theory to models whose real parameters may lie in a bounded set. The Figure shows a two-dimensional illustration of the BEAT mechanism, searching for the integer part of a beat phase measurement. As a codeless estimation method, BEAT can be employed for the processing of phase measurements that are dedicated to ranging and navigation techniques, including those using the carrier phase signals of recent mega-constellation LEO satellites.