Development of low-cost spaceborne multi-frequency GNSS receiver for navigation and GNSS remote sensing

This paper describes the development of a new generation of low-cost spaceborne multi-frequency global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) receivers for navigation and GNSS remote sensing applications. The spaceborne GNSS receiver-remote sensing instrument (SGR-ReSI) uses reflectometry to gather data, which may be used to derive information about the Earth: ocean, atmosphere, land, snow and ice. First, a review of the GNSS remote sensing including GNSS-reflectometry and radio occultation is presented. Then, the science and operational needs of GNSS receivers for the remote sensing of ocean, atmosphere, land, snow and ice are discussed. The design and development of a new generation of low-cost spaceborne multi-frequency GNSS receivers for navigation and GNSS remote sensing are described. Detailed results and designs of dual-band antennas and arrays for navigation, radio occultation and GNSS-reflectometry are presented. GNSS receiver designs, including both the software and hardware, are also explained. The processing algorithms and modelling techniques are described. Some initial results are also illustrated. This paper ends with discussions of future flight opportunities and a conclusion.