The paper explores an alternate technique for the determination of the angular position and velocity of deep-space probes, wherein the two-way range and Doppler measurements are abandoned for large portions of the mission in favor of differential one-way measurements. The spacecraft employs a wideband beacon rather than a coherent transponder, and differential measurements of one-way range and perhaps range rate are made between the spacecraft and each of three tracking stations. Advantages include the following: (1) Range measurements do not require the long horizon-to-horizon Doppler passes, so that the tracking stations can be released to support other functions of the deep space network. (2) Improved accuracy in the angular coordinates of the spacecraft can be obtained. (3) The need for an uplink is eliminated. A system implementation of the concept is developed that appears economically feasible and achieves a 0.05 microrad baseline accuracy


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Radio metric direction finding - A new approach to deep space navigation


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Astrodynamics Specialist Conference


    Publication date :

    1977-09-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English





    Radio direction finding as aid to navigation

    Dunmore, F.W. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1922


    Radio direction finding

    Hyland, L.A. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1928


    Radio direction finding

    Mesny, R. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1932


    Radio direction finding

    Engineering Index Backfile | 1926