High-precision Continuous-time PNT Compact Module for the LunaNet Small Spacecraft

Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 7)

Description

This collaboration involved the development of a high-precision laser inertial navigation unit, a key complement for a continuous-time position-navigation-and-timing (PNT) chip module that would allow small spacecraft to operate in environments without GPS, as envisaged for the LunaNet architecture. Akin to Earth internet, this allows data exchange with lunar assets to be relayed freely without requiring complicated procedures. Furthermore, with the new navigational assistance and timing reference, this LunaNet module supports interoperable lunar surface navigation and their relative motion, precise satellite and asset orbital determination, and human location services. In the two-year project timeframe, the team matured the high-precision laser inertial navigation unit from fundamental laboratory research into a TRL-4 packaged unit towards flight.

Benefits

The key appeal this technology is in achieving an integrated PNT module in a SmallSat form-factor for GPS-independent navigation, with an order of magnitude improvement over the current state-of-the-art. In a lunar context, which this technology was originally targeted for, such technology could enable tracking-data relay satellites in lunar orbit to effectively serve as the network access node for continuous communications with other lunar orbital and surface assets. Providing a timing reference and navigational assistance, such assets would enable interoperable lunar surface navigation, precise satellite and asset orbital determination, and human location services.

Details

Technology area	Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems > Network-Provided Position, Navigation, and Timing > Revolutionary PNT Technologies
Program	Small Spacecraft Technology (SST)
Lead organization	University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Start date	2020-07-01
End date	2025-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Chee Wei Wong
Andrey B Matsko — andrey.b.matsko@jpl.nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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