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 G NSS 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.