COMPUTING LONG TERM ORBIT AND CLOCK MODELS WITH VARIABLE TIME-HORIZONS

摘要

A method and apparatus for determining long term orbit (LTO) models using variable time-horizons to improve the orbit and clock model accuracy. The method and apparatus use either historic ephemeris or historic measurements for at least one satellite to produce an orbit parameter prediction model (an LTO model). The parameter predicted by the model is compared to an orbit parameter of a current broadcast ephemeris. The result of the comparison (an indicia of accuracy for the model) is used to establish a time-horizon for the orbit parameter prediction model for that particular satellite. Such a time-horizon may be established in this manner for each satellite within a satellite constellation.