On the low-cost asynchronous one-way range measurement method and the device for micro to nano deep space probes

Abstract

Recent startups and university space activities extend to cis-lunar and near-Earth interplanetary field. One of the biggest hurdles in those missions is in the orbit determination based on the range measurements, while the radio transmission and reception capability becomes within those small organizations' facilities. Also, about the navigation in cis-lunar space, conventional GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) real time positioning is hardly available and some alternative methods have been sought. The most straight forward approach is to be supported by the space agencies' facilities for the range measurement with the transponders onboard the probes. However, it depends on the facilities availability and also on the relatively expensive, old and analogue transponders. This paper presents a new method deriving from the GNSS based devices. It does not require the transponders but inexpensive radio circuits easily built. And both the probes and the ground stations have only to be equipped with the common and simple inexpensive devices. The method enables the small organizations to perform autonomous operation of the probes in a distance beyond the moon's orbit. The paper first presents the latest test data obtained during the development using the Software Defined Radio (SDR) boards.