SBIR-STTR Award

It is proposed to develop an algorithm for Rendezvous spacecraft navigation and attitude determination using Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements augmented with carrier-phase-ambiguity resolution. Precise range, and accurate orientation, will be realized by determining phase ambiguities in the range vector and spacecraft baselines. This is an innovative approach to automated rendezvous navigation and attitude determination, because high accuracy is achieved by processing phase measurements with a special purpose algorithm, from a low cost GPS receiver.The proposal is responsive to NASA's stated needs because the proposed navigation and attitude determination system will be capable of obtaining rendezvous range within centimeters, and spacecraft attitude within a milliradian. The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate feasibility of GPS-derived Rendezvous range, and attitude. An algorithm of phase-ambiguity resolution will be tested in the rendezvous mission environment to confirm the objective.NASA will benefit from the development of precision navigation/attitude-determination using simple, reliable hardware, rather than complex, sensitive instruments. This is needed for NASA automated rendezvous and docking.GPS attitude determination technology will be an excellent backup for a surface ship's heading and attitude system, and provide compensation for magnetic deviation and variation. Phase ambiguity resolution methods will enable precise GPS navigation for aircraft precision approaches in terminal area flight. The use of GPS as an approach and landing aid would permit more air traffic at non-instrumented runways, and runways experiencing temporary equipment shut down.

Keywords:
Phase_I, NASA, Abstract, FY94