Essential parameters of Space-Borne Oscillators that ensures performance of Satellite-Based Augmentation System

Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) arose from the need to provide continuity, availability, integrity and accuracy of global positioning signals to eliminate errors and compensate for discrepancies associated with GPS signals and other navigation systems. The NIGCOMSAT-1R Project is the insurance replacement of the NIGCOMSAT-1 satellite, which was de-orbited on 10 th of November 2008 due to an irreparable single point of failure on-board the satellite. The NigComSat-1R Navigation (L-band) payload is a Space Based Augmentation System meant to provide a Navigation Overlay Service (NOS) similar to the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS). The paper seeks to examine some of humankind's triumphs in navigation, from mechanical clocks to the critical role that Space-Borne Oscillators play in improving Performance of Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems and the strategic role of NIGCOMSAT-1R, the nascent African contribution to the Global Navigation Satellite System. © 2011 IEEE.