ADCS Platform (NavRIX PP)

Competitiveness & Growth

Status

Ongoing
Status date

2023-05-08
Activity Code

4C.064

Objectives

The objective of this project is to develop a flexible scalable navigation and sensor platform for NewSpace applications and SmallSat constellations. The combination of programmable hardware and powerful processors enables the integration of a variety of attitude and orbit control sensors in a single unit. Within the Technology Phase (part of the present activity) a GNSS Receiver Module EM is designed and tested as first instantiation of the platform. The so called NavRIX PinPoint is a spaceborne multi-frequency GNSS receiver for NewSpace applications capable of processing multi-frequency navigation signals of multiple satellite constellations. The migration of receiver software established for Beyond Gravity’s high-reliability receivers ensures robust operation and high-performance navigation with a short time to market.

Challenges

GNSS receivers are essential for many space missions. Nevertheless, the market expects low prices and low size, weight and power figures. Traditional GNSS receivers as for example Beyond Gravity’s high-reliability PODRIX are not competitive on a market oriented on the NewSpace paradigm, instead a receiver utilising commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components is needed. In order to be successful in this highly competitive market, a GNSS receiver supplier must not develop individual receiver implementations for each customer or mission but has to offer a versatile product platform which can easily be adapted to customer needs.

Benefits

NavRIX PinPoint is the first instantiation of the envisaged multi-sensor platform. NavRIX PinPoint establishes a high-performance, multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS receiver. This receiver can be operated as a standalone product but can also act as the core of the finally envisaged ADCS for NewSpace applications. The NavRIX PinPoint receiver is based on COTS EEE parts to minimise recurring costs and to offer processing capacity not provided by traditional space components. The NavRIX PinPoint software inherits the quality of the receiver software developed for Beyond Gravity’s high-reliability GNSS receivers. The migration of qualified software with space heritages avoids teething problems of the new receiver. Further, the implemented acquisition, tracking and navigation algorithms have already proven their performance in orbit. The processing resources available in the final product enable future enhancements or functional expansions.

Features

NavRIX PinPoint will be designed to allow at least 8 years of operation in LEO orbits of any inclination between 300 and 1500 km altitude. The receiver design adheres to the 3U conduction cooled SpaceVPX standard.

The receiver makes use of the following signals for navigation:

GPS L1 C/A
GPS L2C
GPS L5 I/Q
Galileo E1 B/C
Galileo E5a I/Q

The receiver is prepared to receive and process the open-service Galileo E6 signals. The minimum number of GNSS processing channels is 36. However, the architecture allows upscaling of the channel number. The receiver’s PVT accuracy is better than:

Position 1m 3D rms
Velocity 2 mm/s 3D rms
Time 50ns (1σ)

By default, NavRIX PinPoint uses an internal clock, but it also accepts a 10MHz external clock. The receiver software implements dedicated detection and compensation mechanisms for mitigating the impact of single event errors (SEEs).

System Architecture

The NavRIX PinPoint comprises two types of boards: a GNSS processor module and a DC/DC converter and interface module. The mechanical concept can realise non-redundant and fully redundant configurations in one box. Several interfaces allow for future integration of other AOCS sensors.

The baseline telecommand and telemetry (TC/TM) interface is UART. The receiver software implements a CCSDS protocol inherited from Beyond Gravity high-reliability GNSS receiver generations.

The digital processing is implemented in a reprogrammable FPGA. This enables future enhancement of GNSS signal processing on the same hardware platform.

Plan

The project has following milestones:
-   SRR
-   PDR
-   TRB 1
-   TRB 2
-   FR

The objectives of the SRR are:
- Present design and development process
- Present system requirements

The objectives of the PDR are:
-   Present a summary of the outcome of the development phase
-   Present system design
-   Present verification plan

The objectives of the TRB1 are:
- Present results of EM measurements of the Processor Module

The objectives of the TRB2/FR are:
-   Propose an outline of future product development strategies.
-   Present the test results.
-   Confirm that all outputs and deliverables have been completed/delivered.

Current status