Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Determination of inter-satellite relative position using X-ray pulsars

  • Published:
Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE C Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars that generate pulsed electromagnetic radiation. A new method for inter-satellite relative position determination between a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and spacecraft using X-ray pulsars is proposed in this paper. The geometric model of this method is formulated, and two different resolution algorithms are introduced and analyzed. The phase cycle ambiguity resolution is investigated, and a new strategy is proposed and formulated. Using the direct vector parameters of the pulsar, geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) is studied. It is shown that this method has advantages of simplicity and efficiency, and is able to eliminate the clock errors. The analytical results are verified numerically via computer simulations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Backer, D.C., Hellings, R.W., 1986. Pulsar timing and general relativity. Ann. Rev. Astron. Astrophys., 24(1):537–575. [doi:10.1146/annurev.aa.24.090186.002541]

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Emadzadeh, A.A., Speyer, J.L., 2010. On modeling and pulse phase sstimation of X-ray pulsars. IEEE Trans. Signal Process., 58(9):4484–4495. [doi:10.1109/TSP.2010.2050479]

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  • Emadzadeh, A.A., Speyer, J.L., 2011. Relative navigation between two spacecraft using X-ray pulsars. IEEE Trans. Control Syst. Technol., 19(5):1021–1035. [doi:10.1109/TCST.2010.2068049]

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fang, J.C., Ning, X.L., 2009. Installation direction analysis of star sensors by hybrid condition number. IEEE Trans. Instrum. Meas., 58(10):3576–3582. [doi:10.1109/TIM.2009.2018688]

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moyer, T.D., 2003. Formulation for Observed and Computed Values of Deep Space Network Data Types for Navigation. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p.107–119. [doi:10.1002/0471728470]

  • Sala, J., Urruela, A., Villares, X., 2004. Feasibility Study for a Spacecraft Navigation System Relying on Pulsar Timing Information. Final Report of the Team ARIADNA Study 03/4202, p.32–36.

  • Sheikh, S.I., 2005. The Use of Variable Celestial X-Ray Sources for Spacecraft Navigation. PhD Thesis, University of Maryland, US, p.220–238.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheikh, S.I., Pines, D.J., 2006. Recursive estimation of spacecraft position and velocity using X-ray pulsar time of arrival measurements. J. Inst. Navig., 53(3):149–166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheikh, S.I., Ray, P.S., Weiner, K., Wolff, M.T., Wood, K.S., 2007. Relative Navigation of Spacecraft Utilizing Bright, Aperiodic Celestial Sources. Proc. 63rd Annual Meeting of the Institute of Navigation, p.444–453.

  • Tartaglia, A., Ruggiero, M.L., Capolongo, E., 2011. A null frame for spacetime positioning by means of pulsating sources. Adv. Space Res., 47(4):645–653. [doi:10.1016/j.asr.2010.10.023]

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, J.H., 1992. Pulsar timing and relativistic gravity. Philosoph. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. A, 341(1660):117–134. [doi:10.1098/rsta.1992.0088]

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Woodfork, D.W., Raquet, J.F., Racca, R.A., 2005. Use of X-ray Pulsars for Aiding GPS Satellite Orbit Determination. Proc. 61st Annual Meeting of the Institute of Navigation, p.476–486.

  • Xiong, K., Wei, C.L., Liu, L.D., 2008. The use of X-ray pulsars for aiding navigation of satellites in constellations. Acta Astron., 64(4):427–436. [doi:10.1016/j.actaastro.2008.09.005]

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, H., Xu, L.P., 2011. An improved phase measurement method of integrated pulse profile for pulsar. Sci. China Technol. Sci., 54(9):2263–2270. [doi:10.1007/s11431-011-4524-8]

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, H., Xu, L.P., Xie, Q., 2011a. Modeling and Doppler measurement of X-ray pulsar. Sci. China Phys. Mech. Astron., 54(6):1068–1076. [doi:10.1007/s11433-011-4338-5]

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, H., Xu, L.P., Xie, Q., 2011b. A search algorithm of phase ambiguity resolution for XPNAV based on binary tree. Geom. Inf. Sci. Wuhan Univ., 36(1):39–43 (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Electronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi’an, 710071, China

    Da-jun Feng, Lu-ping Xu, Hua Zhang & Shi-bin Song

  2. Institute of Astronautics and Aeronautics, Xidian University, Xi’an, 710071, China

    Da-jun Feng, Lu-ping Xu, Hua Zhang & Shi-bin Song

Authors
  1. Da-jun Feng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lu-ping Xu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Hua Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Shi-bin Song
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lu-ping Xu.

Additional information

Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 61172138) and the Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Precision Navigation and Timing Technology, National Time Service Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. 2012PNTT02)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Feng, Dj., Xu, Lp., Zhang, H. et al. Determination of inter-satellite relative position using X-ray pulsars. J. Zhejiang Univ. - Sci. C 14, 133–142 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.C12a0142

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1631/jzus.C12a0142

Key words

CLC number

Search

Navigation