The Challenge of Programmed Tracking Low Orbit Satellites from Mobile Ground Stations

Abstract

Orbiting satellites can be tracked by following preprogrammed ephemeris data in the ground station controller. This tracking method is advantageous, because of the reduced acquisition cost of non-autotracking receiver and antenna feed components. Further, widely separated frequency bands can readily be tracked, without the complexity of a frequency specific auto-track system. Two types of mobile tracking systems are described. They are composed of elevation-over-azimuth-over-tilt and of an X-Y axis pedestal configuration. The calibration methods for establishing time and geographical references are discussed, as well as the challenges of minimizing the effects of system and environment induced error contributors.