GMGD222 Satellite Geodesy

At the beginning of the course, an introduction to general satellite geodesy is given, emphasizing:

• Celestial and terrestrial reference systems.
• Time systems.
• Precession, nutation, and polar motion.
• Satellite orbit theory: The Kepler orbit and its perturbations.
• Space geodetic observation techniques.

The second part of the course has a more focused emphasis on position determination using GNSS-Global Navigation Satellite Systems, for example, GPS:

• GNSS system description
• observables
• error sources
• modeling of observations, estimation of coordinates
• measuring and estimation methods
• applications.

Some of the topics are presented by the teacher. Some of the topics are presented by the students. Great emphasis is placed on the maturation of theoretical skills through practice exercises.

The students should be familiar with reference systems in space geodesy and understand the basis for the movement of satellites in space. They should be up-to-date on the individual observation techniques and satellite systems, and be aware of international organizations and their services (IERS, IGS, etc.).

Furthermore, the students should master the theoretical foundation for position determination with satellite-based techniques and be proficient in various measurement and calculation methods