Precision analysis of BDS-3 GEO satellite orbit determination using RDSS

Providing communication and navigation services simultaneously using the radio determination service system (RDSS) is one of the significant and unique features of the Beidou navigation satellite system (BDS). In order to further enhance the service capabilities and ensure the service robustness, the RDSS system of BDS-3 has been significantly improved from system architecture to signal system. In this study, error characteristics of the RDSS with a new signal system are analyzed considering both measurement model and observation noise. Then, the results are compared with those of the BDS-2 system. It is found that in order to avoid the failure of the RDSS navigation service during the radio navigation satellite service load breakdown, the RDSS system needs to have independent orbit determination ability. Furthermore, precision of the GEO orbit determination is analyzed when only the RDSS is employed. Analyzing the measured data reveals that the orbit determination accuracy would be better than 10 m, where positioning and timing accuracy can meet the service requirements.