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Characterizing Network Architecture for Inter-satellite Communication and Relative Navigation in Precise Formation Flying

Authors:
Rui Sun
Jian Guo
Eberhard K. A. Gill
Daan C. Maessen

Keywords: Precise formation flying; communication; relative navigation; time-critical; various mission phases; CDMA

Abstract:
Precise formation flying (PFF) missions require formation acquisition and maintenance through interactions among spacecraft by inter-satellite communication and relative navigation. That requires the network architecture to satisfy dedicated system constraints of time-criticality for updating navigation measurements and flexibility for implementation across various phases of mission operations. Potentially applicable architectures that combine different multiple access technologies, half-duplex/full duplex configurations, and network topologies are discussed and evaluated. Half-duplex CDMA with roles rotating among all spacecraft is shown more suitable and efficient for PFF missions. Its limitation in terms of multiple access interference is analyzed as well.

Pages: 85 to 90

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2011

Publication date: April 17, 2011

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-4480

ISBN: 978-1-61208-128-1

Location: Budapest, Hungary

Dates: from April 17, 2011 to April 22, 2011