Integrated navigation and communication system for use in distributed spacecraft systems
First Claim
1. An integrated navigation and communication system contained within a spacecraft, that enables control operations and science operations in a distributed spacecraft system including multiple spacecrafts, comprising:
- a stackable connector utilized as a system bus;
at least one processor card;
at least one GPS receiver card;
at least one crosslink receiver card for receiving signals from other spacecraft in the distributed spacecraft system; and
at least one crosslink transmitter card for transmitting signals to the other spacecraft in the distributed spacecraft system;
wherein the at least one processor card, the at least one GPS receiver card, the at least one crosslink receiver card, and the at least one crosslink transmitter card are in communication with each other by each being connected to the stackable connector.
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Abstract
An integrated navigation and communication system that enables distributed spacecraft system operations. The system is a modular, extensible system that supports science operations among multiple, distributed spacecraft by implementing the essential functions of navigation, communication and control. Distributed spacecraft systems, also called formation flying systems, extend the capabilities of single-spacecraft missions by providing a platform for complex sensing tasks, including multipoint observation, co-observation, and distributed apertures. To accomplish these tasks, the system enables spacecrafts within a distributed spacecraft system to communicate science and coordination information, to determine relative position, velocity and time for command and control operations, and to operate in a coordinated manner to achieve common mission goals.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An integrated navigation and communication system contained within a spacecraft, that enables control operations and science operations in a distributed spacecraft system including multiple spacecrafts, comprising:
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a stackable connector utilized as a system bus;
at least one processor card;
at least one GPS receiver card;
at least one crosslink receiver card for receiving signals from other spacecraft in the distributed spacecraft system; and
at least one crosslink transmitter card for transmitting signals to the other spacecraft in the distributed spacecraft system;
wherein the at least one processor card, the at least one GPS receiver card, the at least one crosslink receiver card, and the at least one crosslink transmitter card are in communication with each other by each being connected to the stackable connector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification