Integrated GPS Antenna/Receiver for Attitude Determination (GSC-13907)
Abstract:The invention is a concept for improving on a state-of-the-art satellite navigation system. Currently, spacecraft control systems rely on a system of sensors to determine position, velocity, and attitude. Sensors such as star trackers, magnetometers, infrared Earth sensors, and gyroscopes provide the data from which the position and attitude information may be determined by onboard computers. Time data is provided by superaccurate atomic clocks. These systems are complex, expensive, and relatively heavy. Further, they require ground-based systems for support and updates. GSFC scientists have worked with industry leaders in this field to develop and apply systems for GPS-based attitude determination. Patent and license holders such as Stanford University, Trimble Navigation Limited, Space Systems Loral, and Johnson Space Center have all worked with GSFC. The GSFC technology builds on previously developed technology. The new system is capable of determining position, velocity, attitude, and rates of change of these parameters.
The present invention envisions a reduction in complexity and additional savings in cost, while increasing accuracy of the resulting attitude information. The novel feature of the invention involves integrating a small GPS antenna and a miniature receiver. By using four of these integrated sets - which are not required to be mounted on a common plane nor aligned in parallel - the spacecraft designer may eliminate RF cabling which is the source of the largest errors in the system. Each miniature integrated antenna/receiver set will receive and process GPS data - yielding digital signals rather than the current analog signal. The new method should be more accurate, less complex, less costly, and more robust than previous systems.
Type of Offer: Licensing
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