Range-based relative navigation for a swarm of centimetre-scale femto-spacecraft

Timmons, T. , Beeley, J., Bailet, G. and McInnes, C. R. (2022) Range-based relative navigation for a swarm of centimetre-scale femto-spacecraft. Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 45(9), pp. 1583-1597. (doi: 10.2514/1.G006261)

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Abstract

In-orbit relative navigation between a networked swarm of centimeter-scale femto-spacecraft would add considerable value to a range of space mission concepts and applications, such as for multipoint sensing and distributed sparse aperture interferometry. For a swarm of networked femto-spacecraft, relative position determination would be possible by inferring coarse range estimates from the received signal strength indication associated with the communication link between swarm members. This is particularly advantageous for highly resource-constrained devices. In this paper, algorithms for swarm relative positioning using interspacecraft range estimates are presented that can be applied to centralized, decentralized, and distributed network configurations. Relative navigation filters for initial relative orbit determination and state estimation are presented for femto-spacecraft swarm deployment and dispersal scenarios. The algorithms presented could also find use in terrestrial applications, in static and dynamic wireless sensor networks.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering under the Chair in Emerging Technologies Scheme (Colin McInnes). Thomas Timmons acknowledges the support of an EPSRC studentship (EP/R513222/1).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Timmons, Thomas and Beeley, Dr James and BAILET, Dr Rer Nat Gilles and McInnes, Professor Colin
Authors: Timmons, T., Beeley, J., Bailet, G., and McInnes, C. R.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics
Publisher:American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
ISSN:0731-5090
ISSN (Online):1533-3884
Published Online:28 April 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2022 The Authors
First Published:First published in Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics 45(9): 1583-1597
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
305200DTP 2018-19 University of GlasgowMary Beth KneafseyEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/R513222/1MVLS - Graduate School