Real-Time Navigation for Mars Missions Using the Mars Network

摘要

A NASA Mars technology program task is developing a prototype, embedded, real-time navigation system for Mars final approach and entry, descent, and landing using the Mars Network's Electra ultrahigh frequency transceiver. The Mars Network is ideally situated to provide spacecraft-to-spacecraft navigation via the Electra ultrahigh frequency transceiver, which is a versatile telecommunications payload that is capable of providing autonomous on-orbit, real-time trajectory determination using two-way Doppler measurements between a Mars approach vehicle and a Mars Network orbiter. A set of analyses based on the 2010 encounter at Mars between the Mars Science Laboratory and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter demonstrate that the navigation system is capable of achieving a 300 m or better atmosphere entry knowledge error and that the resulting technology is a key component to enabling pinpoint landing. The development approach, software design, and test results from an engineering development unit are presented.