Project Title:
Interplanetary Autonomous Navigation
94-1 09.04 9444
Interplanetary Autonomous Navigation
Abstract:
Microcosm proposes to evaluate the applicability of the flight-
proven Microcosm Autonomous Navigation System (MANS), which does
optical autonomous navigation in Earth orbit, to the problem of
autonomous navigation in both interplanetary flight and in orbit
about other solar system objects. In Phase I, we will develop a
preliminary estimate of the autonav requirements for several
government-defined missions, evaluate applicable sensors and the
information content of the resulting measurements, and examine the
applicability of the existing MANS software. We will define the
system architecture and potential utility of the most effective
interplanetary autonomous navigation options. We will also develop
a plan for phased implementation so that the transition to
autonomous navigation can occur in a conservative manner that can
be monitored and controlled from the ground as needed. In Phase II,
we will undertake detailed simulations of space missions of
interest to validate the performance and, depending on the results
of Phase I, may begin modifications to the MANS software to
initiate the development of flight code.
An autonomous navigation system for interplanetary spacecraft will
have commercial applications in both U.S. and foreign programs The
system may also be useful for Earth orbiting spacecraft for
commercial applications such as communications and optical imaging.
Such a system should significantly reduce mission cost and risk. It
would reduce the need for constant tracking with expensive ground-
based systems such as the Deep Space Network.
Key Words
Microcosm, Inc.
2601 Airport Dr., Suite 230
Torrance, CA 90505