Deep Space PNT Instrument (DESPINA)

This effort will mature a sensor for small satellite positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) in deep space using signals emitted by celestial x-ray sources (pulsars, asynchronous x-ray sources). The sensor records the arrival times of x-ray signals from a distant source to the CubeSat and estimates the distance between the CubeSat and the signal's coordinate system. A single pulsar measurement provides a rough distance estimate, and this can be refined using additional data sources like trajectory models. However, measurements from four or more pulsars can independently provide a complete solution. For this effort, the proposed approach will use an existing spectrometer optimized for x-ray astronomy and incorporate hardware and software features to make it a PNT sensor.

The proposed x-ray navigation technology could enable more accurate deep space navigation with minimal reliance on Earth-based ground assets through the miniaturization of an x-ray sensor package to a 1U form factor, significantly reducing the x-ray navigation SWAP compared to current SOA. The sensor could potentially provide a positioning, navigation, and timing solution via opportunistic measurement of signals from pulsars and other asynchronous x-ray sources. A key benefit is true independence from Earth communications, enabling autonomous operations of CubeSat class missions in deep space.

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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