An Integrated Software Defined Radio Navigation System for Space Navigation

Ben Mathews and Alison Brown

Abstract:	NAVSYS Corporation and Microcosm, Inc., have jointly developed a design for a flexible, high-performance, miniaturized, space-based Software GPS Receiver (SSGR) based on a Software Defined Radio (SDR) architecture that optimally combines GPS, INS, and startracker inputs to provide a flexible, integrated precision navigation and attitude determination solution for space applications. The SSGR is suitable for supporting multiple space missions including GPS metric tracking during launch, orbit determination during transfer to geostationary orbits, and high accuracy navigation, attitude control and timing. The flexibility of the SSGR design allows it to be re-programmed for use in launch and orbit entry, station-keeping and autonomous orbit estimation applications. In this paper we will present a system design, analysis, and test results for the integrated SSGR navigation system. The filter design for the optimal integration of GPS, INS, and star-tracker measurements will be presented along with simulation results that show predicted performance. Throughout the paper the benefits and advantages of the SDR approach will be discussed, and its use will be compared with traditional hardwarebased implementations. Finally, receiver test results using the NAVSYS AGHS will be presented to validate performance predictions and demonstrate the benefits of the combined GPS, INS, and star-tracker approach.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 20th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2007) September 25 - 28, 2007 Fort Worth Convention Center Fort Worth, TX
Pages:	2270 - 2278
Cite this article:	Mathews, Ben, Brown, Alison, "An Integrated Software Defined Radio Navigation System for Space Navigation," Proceedings of the 20th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2007), Fort Worth, TX, September 2007, pp. 2270-2278.
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