LEO/GNSS Satellite Clocks: Characterization, Determination, Prediction and Application

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Satellite clocks are one of the fundamental pillars of satellite navigation. However, compared with satellite orbits, the determination and prediction of satellite clocks pose greater challenges, particularly for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites due to their characteristics. Therefore, this Topic focuses on theoretical foundations and key technologies related to LEO/GNSS clocks, including: (1) characterization of LEO/GNSS satellite clocks, covering the characteristics and influencing factors of different onboard clock types across various constellations; (2) satellite clock determination, encompassing LEO satellite clock determination, GNSS satellite clock determination, and LEO-augmented GNSS clock determination; (3) satellite clock prediction, with an emphasis on machine learning-based methods for LEO/GNSS clock prediction; (4) satellite clock applications, addressing time and frequency transfer, precise timing, and related fields.

We sincerely welcome submissions covering the following topics: GNSS clocks, LEO clocks, LEO navigation augmentation, time and frequency transfer, PPP applications, integrity monitoring, and the design and manufacturing of spaceborne clocks. This Topic brings together researchers from the fields of satellite navigation, aerospace, electronics, and related disciplines, with the aim of advancing both theoretical understanding and practical applications of satellite clocks—a critical element in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT).

Dr. Meifang Wu
Dr. Fu Zheng
Dr. Yulong Ge
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Sciences applsci	2.9	6.1	2011	15 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Geomatics geomatics	3.7	4.6	2021	21.6 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Remote Sensing remotesensing	4.3	9.4	2009	22 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Time and Space timespace	-	-	2025	15.0 days *	CHF 1000	Submit

* Median value for all MDPI journals in the first half of 2026.

Preprints.org is a multidisciplinary platform offering a preprint service designed to facilitate the early sharing of your research. It supports and empowers your research journey from the very beginning.

MDPI Topics is collaborating with Preprints.org and has established a direct connection between MDPI journals and the platform. Authors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by posting their preprints at Preprints.org prior to publication:

1. Share your research immediately: disseminate your ideas prior to publication and establish priority for your work.
2. Safeguard your intellectual contribution: Protect your ideas with a time-stamped preprint that serves as proof of your research timeline.
3. Boost visibility and impact: Increase the reach and influence of your research by making it accessible to a global audience.
4. Gain early feedback: Receive valuable input and insights from peers before submitting to a journal.
5. Ensure broad indexing: Web of Science (Preprint Citation Index), Google Scholar, Crossref, SHARE, PrePubMed, Scilit and Europe PMC.

Published Papers