Deep Space Navigation Using X-Ray Pulsars

Abstract

This paper presents a novel technology for determining spacecraft position and velocity using X-ray pulsars. There are numerous potential benefits from this technology. A X-ray pulsar-based navigation (XNAV) system would be available anywhere in the Solar System that cosmic X-ray sources can be observed. The relatively low disturbance environment of deep space, as compared with low-Earth orbit, allows pulse time of arrival (TOA) to be measured precisely. Furthermore, the system require only infrequent pulsar ephemeris updates and can operate in an autonomous mode, independent of Deep Space Network (DSN). XNAV becomes increasingly attractive for deep space missions.