Robust Tracking Strategy for Modern GNSS Receivers in Sounding Rockets

This paper presents a robust tracking strategy for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers in sounding rockets. The continuous tracking of sounding rockets using GNSS signals becomes challenging due to the high signal dynamics experienced, especially during lift-off. Therefore, robust tracking techniques are crucial to keep the lock of the satellite signals and achieve a continuous position, velocity, and time (PVT) solution of the sounding rocket. This research presents a robust adaptive tracking technique: the loop-bandwidth control algorithm (LBCA)-based frequency locked loop-assisted-phase locked loop (FAP). This technique is compared with state-of-the-art robust tracking techniques using fixed tracking configurations. Both methods are tested in a simulated rocket launch scenario. Results show that the LBCA-based FAP is a reliable option for sounding rocket scenarios due to its robustness against high dynamics.