Deep Space Navigation by Optical Pulsars

Abstract

Nowadays, deep-space navigation strongly depends on ground segments, e.g., ESA’s European Space Tracking and NASA’s Deep Space Network. However, the positioning accuracy of ground-based navigation systems decreases with the distance from the Earth, significantly increasing the positioning uncertainty for interplanetary missions. Furthermore, ground-based navigation systems require extensive ground operations, and their limited bandwidth could lead to a point of full utilization in the future. The aim of this work is to introduce—for the first time—the concept of space navigation by optical pulsars, a novel technology that aims at overcoming the limits of ground-based navigation systems. This paper presents, first, an introduction to satellite navigation by using pulsars, discussing on the physical and timing properties of optical pulsars. Then, it investigates on the timing techniques allowing to reconstruct, process, and make use of a pulsar signal, leading to a position estimation. Finally, it reports the results of a clock error estimation performed on ground with real pulsar data and a first estimation of the achievable positioning accuracy in a simulated highly elliptical orbit around the Earth.