Monitoring of global navigation satellite systems

ESOC has been operating a GPS Tracking and Data Analysis Facility (GPS-TDAF) since June 1992, using it for its participation in the International GPS Service for Geodynamics. The GPS-TDAF operates GPS receivers located at ground stations in Kiruna, Kourou, Malindi, Maspalomas, Perth and Villafranca. Data from these stations is downloaded daily to the control centre in ESOC, where it is validated, formatted and transmitted to other IGS (International Service for Geodynamics) centres. The operations are automated, and the data have so far been available the day after the measurements are taken. The existing infrastructure of receivers and communication lines has been upgraded to support automatic real time operations of the GPS-TDAF. The real time GPS-TDAF will evolve into a real time monitor for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) providing two main services: support for ESA missions that will use GPS for navigation, and support the development of European satellite based navigation systems.