Tracking Many GNSS: Introduction

摘要

The Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technique has evolved to become the most widely available positioning tool used by both civilians and scientists. The Global Positioning System (GPS) has been fully operational since 1994 and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) continues to take shape and is on track to having a full constellation in the coming year. SLR has supported both GPS and GLONASS since 1993. However a significant change is about to take place with a large increase in the number of retro-reflector target carrying GNSS satellites orbiting the Earth, potentially placing an increased demand on SLR tracking. This paper provides an overview of SLR tracking of GNSS as an introduction to the session "Improving support for GNSS and other challenging missions". It also draws upon the experience and describes the GNSS tracking activities of the Space Geodesy Facility (SGF), Herstmonceux SLR station in the UK.