GFZ German research centre for geo sciences

Geodetic Reference Service Provider (GRSP) for Galileo

The realization and maintenance of a Galileo Terrestrial Reference Frame (GTRF) is crucial for the performance of Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System Galileo. The GTRF is compatible with the latest International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) within a precision level of 3 cm. Achieve this benchmark is the primary task of the Galileo Geodetic Service Provider (GGSP).

A prototype system has been established from 2005 to 2009 by a consortium of geodetic institutions (GFZ, ESA/ESOC, University Berne, BKG, and IGN). These facilities determine the station coordinates of the Galileo Sensor Stations (GSS) and the Galileo Experimental Sensor Stations (GESS). To get a full and unlimited access to the GTRF additionally products are generated like high-precision orbit and clock solutions and Earth orientation parameters. In addition, these high precision products are used to validate the operational products generated by Galileo Ground Mission Segment (GMS). The prototype system was later incorporated in the Galileo ‘Time and Geodetic Validation Facility (TGVF)’ and is as Geodetic Reference Service Provider (GRSP, part of Galileo Service Operator, GSOp) currently operated by the institutions mentioned above.

References

  • Sakic, P; Männel, B; Nischan, T and the GGSP Consortium Team (2018), Operational geodetic products determination and combination for Galileo, EGU General Assembly 2018, doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.29137.28004
  • Fritsche, M (2016): Determination and Maintenance of the Galileo Terrestrial Reference Frame. EGU General Assembly 2016
  • Gendt, G; Altamimi, Z; Dach, R; Söhne, W; Springer, T (2011): GGSP: Realisation and maintenance of the Galileo Terrestrial Reference Frame. Advances in Space Research, 47, 2, 174-185 doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2010.02.001
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