Method and Application of High-Precision Open-Loop Velocity Measurement of Tianwen-1 Probe

Abstract

In view of the requirements of Tianwen-1 missions on precision orbit determination and scientific application, this paper proposes a high-precision open-loop velocity measurement method based on ground-based radio. At first, relying on space–ground TT&C resources of the Tianwen-1 probe, the paper designs an open-loop velocity measurement strategy based on China’s deep-space network. Then, it proposes a core algorithm of open-loop velocity measurement based on local cross-correlation reconstruction to obtain instantaneous Doppler frequency observables. This algorithm is characterized by a high ability to avoid phase lock loss, convenient and efficient implementation, and flexible parameter configuration and is suitable for high-precision velocity measurement in the case of high dynamics and low signal-to-noise ratios. On this basis, the similarity and difference of velocity observables between open-loop and baseband velocity measurements are analyzed comparatively. Finally, on the basis of the open-loop velocity measurement method, the paper carries out tests on high precision orbit determination with independent support of velocity measurement, as well as on Mars radio occultation. According to the research results, the accuracy of open-loop velocity measurement can reach 0.05 mm/s (in 1-s integration time), which is 2 to 3 times better than that of baseband velocity measurement. Open-loop velocity measurement can independently support orbit determination accuracy of 50 m of the Tianwen-1 probe and effectively support autonomous retrieval of Martian ionospheric electron density profiles. Thus, this method can be effectively applied to future missions of deep-space exploration and research of planetary radio science.