Method and system for gamma-ray localization induced spacecraft navigation using celestial gamma-ray sources
US9140556B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2014 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S5/166
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for spacecraft navigation using distant celestial gamma-ray bursts which offer detectable, bright, high-energy events that provide well-defined characteristics conducive to accurate time-alignment among spatially separated spacecraft. Utilizing assemblages of photons from distant gamma-ray bursts, relative range between two spacecraft can be accurately computed along the direction to each burst's source based upon the difference in arrival time of the burst emission at each spacecraft's location. Correlation methods used to time-align the high-energy burst profiles are provided. The spacecraft navigation may be carried out autonomously or in a central control mode of operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.