A Novel Navigational Architecture utilizing Joint Doppler and Ranging for Minimal Infrastructure Localization on other Planets

One of the most important aspects of exploration on a celestial body is the knowledge of positioning. Here on Earth, the Global Positioning System (GPS) performs localization by measuring the distance between GPS satellites and a receiver, using these ranges to accurately calculate the receiver’s location. However, GPS has its limitations: each satellite is required to possess dedicated ranging hardware and there must be a minimum of 4 satellites in view of the receiver for a single position fix. Both requirements would be extraneous and ambitious for missions orbiting other planets such as Mars or the Moon. How can we provide in-situ localization services for manned and unmanned elements on other planets? I propose a novel navigational architecture that uses Doppler measurements instead of ranging measurements to obtain position fixes on the surface of any planet with an orbiting satellite. This architecture introduces a novel relative positioning scheme that localizes a stationary, passive user with a single satellite and a reference station. It is based on the principle of the Law of Cosines (LOC) and uses Doppler measurements received at the user and the reference station, satellite position, and satellite velocity to localize a user on the surface of a planetary body. The feasibility of this architecture has been validated through initial analyses published by our team. The goal of this research will be to continue to quantify and validate the reliability and performance of this new navigational scheme, rapidly increasing the technology readiness level (TRL). Upon successful completion of initial hardware in the loop (HIL) tests, the domain space of the LOC scheme will be explored through sensitivity analyses. This would enable observation of input parameters effects in both coupled and uncoupled states. The performance and sensitivity of the scheme with varying parameters will establish guidelines for reliable use of the architecture. Once the domain of the scheme is understood, trade studies will be performed to select optimal communication parameters (code / carrier frequency), user and reference station radios, and the reference station infrastructure. The result of these trade studies would be to establish technological standards for the architecture. Next, a comprehensive end-to-end HIL test will be performed in a local, space relevant environment, including another comprehensive sensitivity analysis. This will increase the TRL to 6 and validate the architecture for a technology demonstration mission. Finally, once the feasibility, reliability, and performance of the architecture have been quantified in a space relevant environment, a fieldable experiment will be designed in a technology demonstration mission to increase the TRL to 7 and ultimately establish the architecture as a new technology. This research aims to develop and mature a new architecture in the navigational world, allowing for positioning on the surface of celestial bodies that do not have the luxury of a dedicated GPS infrastructure. The architecture has the potential to begin a new standard for navigation on external planets, aiding not only autonomous lander and rover missions but also future human missions focused on planetary exploration.

The architecture has the potential to begin a new standard for navigation on external planets, aiding not only autonomous lander and rover missions but also future human missions focused on planetary exploration.

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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.