Not lost in communication: Planetary surface communication and navigation using wireless COTS technologies
- Paper number
IAC-08.A3.I.12
- Author
Mr. Nick James, BAE Systems, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Marek Ziebart, University College London, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Ant Sibthorpe, University College London, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Mark Sims, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Michel Tossaint, European Space Agency (ESA)
- Coauthor
Mr. Andy Brown, BAE Systems, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Derek Pullan, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Prof. Paul Cross, University College London, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Ziyi Jiang, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Ms. Sarah Doman, University College of London, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Jonathon Taylor, University College London, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Peter Stacey, University College London, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Dietmar Backes, University College London, United Kingdom
- Year
2008
- Abstract
This paper describes the results of an ESA led study to identify wireless technologies which could be used to provide networked communication and position location services for assets on a planetary surface. These wireless technologies are based on mature COTS standards such as WiMAX and UWB. Transport of data at rates from a few bits per second (low-power sensors) to megabits per second (real-time video) were considered at ranges from metres to tens of kilometres. A number of position determination methods were devised which operate as overlays at the media access level. These methods provide time-of-flight measurements which enable positioning with an accuracy of a few metres at the threshold of the communications system. Other aspects of the positioning problem, such as miniature atomic clocks and micro-electromechanical inertial measurement units, were incorporated into the model to improve reliability. We have performed extensive modelling of several selected systems at a number of potential landing sites on the Moon and Mars. Network coverage and performance were modelled under realistic conditions using suitable Digital Terrain Models derived from Mars Express and Mars Global Surveyor datasets. The resulting coverage maps demonstrate that COTS based wireless OFDM systems will be a strong contender for providing communications and positioning services in a planetary environment. However, due to the practical constraints of mission scenarios, system deployment and safety considerations, the wireless system alone is insufficient for all positioning requirements and must be augmented by the use of next generation inertial guidance technologies.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.A3.I.12.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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