PRECISION AUTONOMOUS NAVIGATION AND ORBIT CONTROL KIT

We propose to use the Microcosm Autonomous Navigation System (MANS) software, to be flight tested on the TAOs program, to crate a low cost precision autonomous navigaiton and orbit control kit capable of: - Enhanced precision GPS-based navigation - Autonomous orbit maintenance and control - On-board data monitoring and selection - Interactive navigation, mission planning, and pointing This system can dramatically reduce the complexity and cost of ground operaitons and improve the reliability of mission data. In addition, the system can implement for the first time a "controlled orbit" in which the spacecraft orbit, including its in-track position, is fully known prior to launch. This is an enabling technology for several mission elements, including low cost constellation control. Phase I will establish feasibility of the system which will be developed and ready for flight test at the end of Phase II. This can lead to near-term insertion of this technology in both military and civilian applications.