Earth Moon GNSS Spaceborne Receiver for In-Orbit Demonstration

Register for the Final Presentation of the NAVISP EL1-039 Project: "Earth Moon GNSS Spaceborne Receiver For In-Orbit Demonstration"

Current GEO and GTO missions already exploit GNSS signals for in-orbit PNT. NASA’s MMS mission has recently demonstrated that tracking of GPS signals is possible up to 150,000 km from Earth surface (half-way the distance to the Moon). 

The feasibility of extending the use of GNSS for missions to the Moon has also preliminarily been assessed by ESA in previous studies. These preliminary studies have concluded that navigation to the Moon using GNSS may be feasible, if specific high sensitivity techniques are implemented in GNSS spaceborne receivers. Multiple publications, in some cases complemented by tests with hardware in the loop, have demonstrated the potential for 100-200 metre accuracy of the orbit determination performance at Moon altitude using standalone GNSS.

The objectives of this activity were to develop and qualify a GNSS spaceborne receiver for lunar applications, including procurement of antenna and auxiliary components. Furthermore, an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) is prepared (outside the scope of this activity) to characterize the performance achieved by standalone GNSS (through the developed receiver) onboard the Lunar Pathfinder mission.

The results of the activity will enable GNSS receiver technology for orbit determination, velocity and time estimation of spacecraft orbiting to / from and around the Moon; reduce operational costs of lunar missions, avoiding implementation of specific Earth-to-Space links.

The project was delivered by SpacePNT and EECL (European Engineering & Consultancy)

EL1-039 “Earth Moon GNSS Spaceborne Receiver For In-Orbit Demonstration” was funded by NAVISP Element 1, which is dedicated to technology innovation of the European industry in the wide PNT sector.

Please check the Agenda and register for the event!