Copernicus POD Service: Status of Copernicus Sentinel Satellite Orbit Determination

The Copernicus Precise Orbit Determination (CPOD) Service is key to the Copernicus Sentinel missions, supporting Sentinel-1, -2, -3, and -6 with critical orbit products and auxiliary data. These products facilitate the operational creation of scientific core outputs at ESA and EUMETSAT, accessible through the Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem (https://dataspace.copernicus.eu/).

Recent advances have pivoted towards the incorporation of new satellite units, notably Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-2C, launched in late 2024. These additions prompted thorough CalVal activities, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of Precise Orbit Determination. Initial solutions mirrored those of earlier Sentinel models, setting a standard baseline, while performing dedicated verification of Level-0 signal decoding.

A key enhancement is the integration of multiple PODRIX receivers in orbit, routinely tracking both GPS and Galileo signals together with Copernicus Sentinel-6A. GNSS antenna calibration has been pivotal, aiming to reduce multipath errors by creating a Phase Center Variation map. Cross-verification with solutions from the CPOD Quality Working Group (QWG), composed of renowned institutions such as AIUB, CNES, DLR, GFZ, JPL/NASA, PosiTim, TU Munich, and TU Delft, ensures these preliminary orbits meet Copernicus's precision demands.

Building on these innovations, the CPOD Service maintains its commitment to rapid, robust product delivery, achieving 3D RMS consistency below 1 cm with QWG's non-time-critical products and providing near-real-time solutions in under five minutes. Future efforts will focus on refining Sentinel-3's short-time critical products and advancing Sentinel-6 macro-models, as well as consolidating achievements related to the application of the ITRF20 Seasonal Geocenter Motion model.

This presentation will show results from recent satellite commissionings, and explore prospective enhancements within the CPOD service, showcasing the ongoing evolution in support of Copernicus missions' precision and operational efficiency. The contribution will also show the planned evolutions to continue improving and to pave the way for future Copernicus missions.