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Apparatus, system and method for spacecraft navigation using extrasolar planetary systems

a technology of extrasolar planets and satellites, applied in the field of satellites, system and method for spacecraft navigation, can solve the problems of limited dsn resources, limited use of gps satellites orbiting the earth for deep space missions, and dsn accuracy degradation, so as to reduce the requirements and resources of dsn tracking, stable, and highly predictable natural signal patterns

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-01-03
HINDMAN GEORGE WILLIAM
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  • Abstract
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  • Application Information

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Benefits of technology

[0015]The present invention is an apparatus, system and method for spacecraft location determination and navigation employing extrasolar planetary system motion. The apparatus, system and method provide onboard orbit or location determination and navigation capabilities during spacecraft operations through the use of specialized reference stars that have exoplanet companions. The motion of these exoplanets around the reference star's baryce

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, DSN resources are limited and its accuracies degrade over large distances.
Furthermore, GPS satellites orbiting the Earth are of limited

Method used

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  • Apparatus, system and method for spacecraft navigation using extrasolar planetary systems
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  • Apparatus, system and method for spacecraft navigation using extrasolar planetary systems

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Embodiment Construction

[0025]Nay State determination through the use of extrasolar planetary system motion data is an innovative method for onboard spacecraft navigation. It will significantly enable and enhance mission capabilities for future manned and unmanned space vehicles as well as reducing the need for Deep Space Navigation resources. Over 700 extrasolar planets have been discovered around nearby main sequence stars within the past 15 years. The motion of these extrasolar planets around their stellar barycenters provides a stable, highly predictable natural signal pattern. Observations from these star systems allow for enhanced spacecraft self determination of orbits and position as well as navigation.

Extrasolar Planetary System Motion and Measurements

[0026]Earth based exoplanet searches have sought to identify planetary systems by observing characteristics of the parent star about which the potential planet is orbiting. The main methodologies employed for such exoplanet detection have been astrom...

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Abstract

The present invention provides an innovative apparatus, system and method for onboard spacecraft location determination and navigation by employing the observation of extrasolar planetary star system motion. In one apparatus embodiment a gas absorption cell is placed between a sensor and the light from a reference star system with at least one exoplanet, such that the sensor can detect the spectrum through the gas absorption cell. Radial velocities can be calculated via Doppler Spectroscopy techniques and incorporated into a spacecraft navigation solution. The present invention can enable and enhance significant mission capabilities for future manned and unmanned space vehicles and missions.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 571,554 filed Jun. 30, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention is an innovative apparatus, system and method for spacecraft navigation employing the use of extrasolar planetary system motion. Spacecraft navigation can generally be described as, but not limited to, the determination of a spacecraft's position, velocity and attitude at certain times as well as the determination of orbital parameters and trajectories. Extrasolar planetary systems are star systems other than the Sun that have planetary companions. The present invention relates to several different fields including spacecraft hardware, software, navigation, astronomy, Doppler spectroscopy methods and astrometric techniques...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): G01B11/14B64G1/36G01C21/24
CPCG01C21/24B64G2001/1064B64G1/36B64G1/361B64G1/1064G01C21/025G01J3/0205G01J3/0264
Inventor HINDMAN, GEORGE WILLIAM
Owner HINDMAN GEORGE WILLIAM
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