A Ka-band integrated range and bearing- angle formation sensor called the Autonomous Formation Flying (AFF) Sensor has been developed to enable deep-space formation flying of multiple spacecraft. The AFF Sensor concept is similar to that of the Global Positioning System (GPS), but the AFF Sensor would not use the GPS. The AFF Sensor would reside in radio transceivers and signal-processing subsystems aboard the formation-flying spacecraft. A version of the AFF Sensor has been developed for initial application to the twospacecraft StarLight optical-interferometry mission, and several design investigations have been performed. From the prototype development, it has been concluded that the AFF Sensor can be expected to measure distances and directions with standard deviations of 2 cm and 1 arc minute, respectively, for spacecraft separations ranging up to about 1 km. It has also been concluded that it is necessary to optimize performance of the overall mission through design trade-offs among the performance of the AFF Sensor, the field of view of the AFF Sensor, the designs of the spacecraft and the scientific instruments that they will carry, the spacecraft maneuvers required for formation flying, and the design of a formation-control system.
This work was done by Jeffrey Tien; George Purcell, Jr.; Jeffrey Srinivasan; Michael Ciminera; Meera Srinivasan; Thomas Meehan; Lawrence Young; MiMi Aung; Luis Amaro; Yong Chong; and Kevin Quirk of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Dean Paschen of Ball Aerospace Technology Corporation. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Electronics/ Computers category. NPO-30813.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Ka-Band Autonomous Formation Flying Sensor
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package for the Ka-Band Autonomous Formation Flying (AFF) Sensor, developed under NASA's Commercial Technology Program. It serves as a comprehensive resource detailing the advancements in aerospace technology related to autonomous formation flying, particularly in the Ka-band frequency range.
The report outlines the contributions of various experts from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and other organizations, including notable figures such as Jeffrey Tien, George Purcell, and Lawrence Young. It emphasizes the novelty of the AFF Sensor, highlighting its improvements over prior technologies in the field. The document aims to make the results of these aerospace-related developments accessible for broader technological, scientific, and commercial applications.
Key technical aspects discussed include the sensor's operational capabilities, which leverage a controlled path through waveguide systems, minimizing issues related to signal leakage. The report also addresses the challenges associated with asynchronous Time Division Duplexing (TDD), noting that despite a significant loss of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), the system performs effectively in the StarLight scenario without necessitating an increase in the planned transmitted power level of 20 mW.
Additionally, the document provides information on the NASA Scientific and Technical Information (STI) Program Office, offering resources for further research and technology exploration. It includes contact details for the NASA STI Help Desk, ensuring that users can access additional support and information.
The report is structured to facilitate understanding of the technical advancements and their implications for future aerospace missions. It underscores NASA's commitment to innovation and the dissemination of knowledge in the aerospace sector, while also clarifying that the information provided does not imply any government endorsement of specific trade names or manufacturers.
Overall, this Technical Support Package serves as a vital resource for researchers, engineers, and industry professionals interested in the developments surrounding the Ka-Band Autonomous Formation Flying Sensor, showcasing the potential for enhanced capabilities in autonomous flight and formation flying technologies.
