The Deep Space Network (DSN) Array of the future provides an intriguing possibility of using the techniques of in-beam phase referencing to determine the angular position of spacecraft with accuracy at the level of 0.1 nano-radian (nrad). In this paper, we discuss the prospects for carrying out such measurements at both 8.4 GHz (X-band) and 32 GHz (Ka-band). Our study suggests that at X-band in-beam calibration may be available as an astrometric tool over 20-30 percent of the sky. The prospects at Ka-band, on the other hand, are not very hopeful. We point out that these estimates depend strongly on the number density of compact sources at the 1-mJy level. We also present the results from our recent VLBA (Very Long Baseline Array) observations at X-band, which has determined the compact source density at the 10-mJy level and discuss future observations to probe weaker source population. Finally, we discuss issues related to phase cycle ambiguity resolution and potential techniques to resolve them.


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    Title :

    Precision Spacecraft Tracking Using In-Beam Phase Referencing


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2008-03-01


    Size :

    996247 byte





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Referencing

    Papalambros, Panos Y. | Online Contents | 2011



    Precision Sun Tracking Sensor for Spacecraft GN&C

    McNally, M. J. / American Astronautical Society | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1995


    Demonstration of KVN phase referencing capability

    Tremou, Evangelia | Online Contents | 2015


    Demonstration of KVN phase referencing capability

    Tremou, Evangelia / Jung, Taehyun / Chung, Aeree et al. | Elsevier | 2015