Performance analysis and validation of the equipment delay calibration method for microsatellite formations

Abstract Reliable inter-satellite measurements play a vital role in enabling autonomous positioning, navigation, and time synchronization in satellite formations. However, one of the major challenges affecting measurement accuracy is equipment delay. While existing calibration methods offer partial solutions, many are either restricted to frequency division multiple access systems, which are less scalable for growing satellite constellations, or rely on extra hardware that increases power consumption, posing a serious limitation for microsatellites. In this study, we introduce a lightweight and effective calibration approach specifically designed for time division multiple access-based microsatellite systems. This method avoids the need for additional calibration devices, helping maintain energy efficiency without compromising accuracy. Both theoretical modeling and experimental validation were conducted to assess the method’s performance. Results show that our approach achieves millimeter-level precision using a standard miniaturized frequency source. Specifically, calibration brings the measurement deviations down to less than 7 mm for distance and under 4.558 ns for time difference, which surpasses the accuracy of existing techniques. The proposed solution not only meets the precision demands of modern satellite formations but also supports more scalable and energy-aware deployment of microsatellite networks.