This paper describes development and testing of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s new NavCube3-mini (NC3m) spaceborne, weak-signal GNSS receiver, which targets all Earth orbit regimes with special focus on lunar applications. NC3m derives from the ground-breaking Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission Navigator GPS receiver. The MMS-Navigator (launched 2015) holds a Guinness World Record for highest altitude GPS fix and is currently in a highly elliptic orbit with a 29 Earth radii apogee, nearly half lunar distance. NC3m has reduced size, weight, and power compared to the MMS-Navigator, making it suitable for smallsat applications, and adds multi-frequency and multi-GNSS capabilities, among other improvements. A NC3m engineering test unit was subjected to and successfully completed a comprehensive Technology Readiness Level 6 (system/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment) testing campaign in the second half of 2022. This involved high-fidelity simulations in LEO, GEO, and lunar regimes and full environmental testing, including vibration, thermal vacuum, and electromagnetic compatibility. An overview of the NC3m receiver, the test setup, and a sample of results is presented. The results include predicted performance at high-altitude and in the lunar regime.


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    Title :

    NavCube3-mini Lunar GNSS Receiver


    Contributors:
    M. A. Hassouneh (author) / D. Midkiff (author) / L. B. Winternitz (author) / S. R. Price (author) / L. Thomas (author) / D. Hatke (author) / T. Lee (author) / W. Bamford (author) / J. W. Mitchell (author)

    Publication date :

    2023


    Size :

    9 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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