Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-p9bg8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T03:26:23.735Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

High-Precision Navigation Approach of High-Orbit Spacecraft Based on Retransmission Communication Satellites

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 March 2012

Wen YongZhi
Affiliation:
(College of Aerospace and Materials Engineering, National University of Defence Technology, Changsha, China)
Zhang ZeJian
Affiliation:
(College of Aerospace and Materials Engineering, National University of Defence Technology, Changsha, China)
Wu Jie*
Affiliation:
(College of Aerospace and Materials Engineering, National University of Defence Technology, Changsha, China)
*

Abstract

Many countries have presented new requirements for in-orbit space services. Space autonomous rendezvous and docking technology could speed up the development of in-orbit spacecraft and reduce the threat of increasing amounts of space debris. The purpose of this paper is to provide real-time high-precision navigation data for high-orbit spacecraft, thus reducing the cost of ground monitoring for high-orbit spacecraft autonomous rendezvous operations, and to provide technical support for high-orbit spacecraft in-orbit services. This paper proposes a new high-orbit spacecraft autonomous navigation approach, based on a communication satellite transmitting ground navigation signals. It proposes an overall navigation system design, sets up the system information integration model and analyses the precision of the navigation system by simulation research. Through simulation of this navigation method, the positional precision of a spacecraft at an altitude of 40 000 km, can be within 2·6 m with a velocity precision of 0·0011 m/s. The transponding satellite navigation method greatly reduces the development costs by using communication satellites in high-orbit spacecraft navigation instead of launching special navigation satellites. Moreover, the signals of transponding satellite navigation are generated on the ground, which is very convenient and cost-effective for system maintenance. In addition, placing atomic clocks on the ground may also help improve the clock accuracy achieved. In this study, the satellite-based navigation method is for the first time applied in high-orbit spacecraft navigation. The study's data could improve the present lack of effective high-orbit spacecraft navigation methods and provide strong technical support for autonomous rendezvous and docking of high orbital spacecraft, as well as other application fields.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal Institute of Navigation 2012

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Davis, G. (2002). GPS-based Navigation and Orbit Determination for the AMSAT AO-40 Satellite. Proceedings of AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference and Exhibition. Monterey, California, USA.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
GuoXiang, A., HuLi, S., HaiTao, W., ZhiGang, L., Ji, G. (2009). The Principle of the Positioning System Based on Communication Satellites. Science in China (Series G: Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy), 52, 472488.Google Scholar
HuLi, S., GuoXiang, A., YanBen, H., LiHua, M., JiBin, C., JianPing, G. (2009a). Multi-life Cycles Utilization Of Retired Satellites. Science in China (Series G: Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy), 52, 323327.Google Scholar
HuLi, S. and Jun, P. (2009b). The Solutions of Navigation Observation Equations for CAPS. Science in China (Series G: Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy), 52, 433444.Google Scholar
Psiaki, M. L. and Jung, H. (2002). Extended Kalman Filter Methods for Tracking Weak GPS Signals. Proceedings of the ION GPS 2002, Portland OR, 25392553.Google Scholar
XiaoChun, L., HaiTao, W., YuJing, B., Yu, H. (2009). Signal Structure of the Chinese Area Positioning System. Science in China (Series G: Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy), 52, 412422.Google Scholar
XiaoHui, L., HaiTao, W., YuJing, B., DanNi, W. (2009). Satellite Virtual Atomic Clock with Pseudorange Difference Function. Science in China (Series G: Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy), 52, 353359.Google Scholar
Xuan, C., ZhiGang, L., XuHai, Y., WenJun, W., Hui, L. and ChuGang, F. (2012). Chinese Area Positioning System With Wide Area Augmentation. The Journal of Navigation, 65, 163174.Google Scholar
XuHai, Y., ZhiGang, L., ChuGang, F., Ji, G., HuLi, S., GuoXiang, A., FengLei, W., RongChuan, Q. (2009). Methods of Rapid Orbit Forecasting After Manoeuvers For Geostationary Satellites. Science in China (Series G: Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy), 52, 333338.Google Scholar
YanBen, H., LiHua, M., QiYuan, Q., ZhiQiang, Y., GuoXiang, A. (2009a). Selection of Satellite Constellation Framework of CAPS. Science in China (Series G: Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy), 52, 458471.Google Scholar
YanBen, H., LiHua, M., QiYuan, Q., ZhiQiang, Y., HuLi, S., GuoXiang, A. (2009b). Functions of Retired GEO Communication Satellites in Improving the PDOP Value of CAPS. Science in China (Series G: Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy), 52, 423433.Google Scholar
YongHui, H., Yu, H., Lei, H., JingFa, W., JianFeng, W. (2009). Design and Implementation of the CAPS Receiver. Science in China (Series G: Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy), 52, 445457.Google Scholar