Hybrid Constellation Design Evaluation for Lunar Surface Navigation

Benjamin Johnis, Kaitlin Roberts, Robert Bettinger, Gavin Hofer, Pace Balster, and Jeremy Correa

Abstract:	The Satellite Constellation Design Evaluation software presents a comprehensive third-party inspection of government solicitations, tailored for program managers conducting trade space analysis. Leveraging insights from DARPA’s innovative 10-year Lunar Architecture capability study (DARPA, 2023), our analysis focuses on the critical domain of Position, Navigation, and Timing requirements in support of NASA’s Lunar Augmented Navigation System. The Orbital simulations incorporate a series of embedded filters utilizing observation updates from cross-links, visual odometry, and various sensor-derived pseudoranges, enabling precise satellite positioning. Satellite scores are evaluated against truth data where position errors indicate filter performance based on the frequency and quality of observations. The orbital grades are based on traditional Figures of Merit, including variable power considerations at the receiver. Our approach maximizes innovative technologies across the cislunar economy by employing rigorous non-biased evaluation criteria, setting a precedent for future government solicitations and collaborative ventures.
Published in:	Proceedings of the ION 2024 Pacific PNT Meeting April 15 - 18, 2024 Hilton Waikiki Beach Honolulu, Hawaii
Pages:	828 - 843
Cite this article:	Johnis, Benjamin, Roberts, Kaitlin, Bettinger, Robert, Hofer, Gavin, Balster, Pace, Correa, Jeremy, "Hybrid Constellation Design Evaluation for Lunar Surface Navigation," Proceedings of the ION 2024 Pacific PNT Meeting, Honolulu, Hawaii, April 2024, pp. 828-843. https://doi.org/10.33012/2024.19660
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