Will There Be a Solar System Navigation System for Space Travel?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential development of a Solar Positioning System (SPS) for navigation within our Solar System, akin to GPS on Earth. Current deep-space navigation relies on NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) ranging, while ongoing research into optical navigation aims to alleviate DSN loads. The concept of a Moon GPS is under consideration, though demand remains insufficient for serious development. The conversation highlights the need for a collaborative navigation system as the number of rovers on Mars increases, suggesting that orbiting spacecraft could serve as reference points for ground vehicles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) operations
  • Familiarity with optical navigation techniques in space
  • Knowledge of Solar Positioning Systems (SPS) concepts
  • Awareness of current space exploration missions, particularly Mars rovers
NEXT STEPS
  • Research NASA's advancements in optical navigation technologies
  • Explore the feasibility of a Moon GPS system and its potential applications
  • Investigate the role of orbiting spacecraft as navigation reference points
  • Study the implications of AI collaboration among Martian rovers
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, space mission planners, researchers in navigation technology, and enthusiasts interested in the future of space travel and exploration.

happyhacker
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Earth has GPS, GNSS and more I guess. Will there (eventually) be a Navigation system for our Solar system so that autonomous (and manned) flights can move around like we do in our vehicles with an onscreen map. Not trying to be fanciful here just wondered if there are discussions or papers. I assume any trip to Mars say would have a system onboard in case of emergencies like lost Earth contact. And not trying to get to the Stars but I guess that is a different e.g. pulsar method when having left the Solar system behind but only mentioned it as any Solar Positioning System (SPS) might signal for that purpose as the 'Home' coordinate. Also wondered if existing Spacecraft orbiting planetary bodies by default act as reference points. Did iSearch but not anything really obvious there. Thanks.
 
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Currently deep-space navigation utilize precision DSN ranging as equivalent to GPS.
Work is ongoing on optical navigation
https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/session_3_-4_ spacecraft _navigation_using_optical_astrometry_ranging_tomas_martin-mur_0.pdf

to reduce DSN loads.

Also, some talks do exist to deploy Moon GPS, but currently seems simply not enough demand to consider it seriously.
 
Thanks. The ref you gave (below) it seems they've pulled it. Never mind. I wonder if when the number of rovers on site say Mars gets significant then a GPS system (or equivalent In the orbiting control MRO?) would help ground vehicles collaborate (in an AI context). And of course anything orbiting could be part of a wider Nav system. Complex stuff I guess and futuristic.

404 The cosmic object you are looking for has disappeared beyond the event horizon.
 
You are kind. Why didn't I think of that!
 
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