Autonomous GNC Solution with Optical GEO Object Tracking

Kayhan Space and TransAstra propose an innovative solution for autonomous Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) with optical Geostationary Orbit (GEO) object tracking for cislunar spacecraft. This novel, passive method integrates Kayhan's Dynamics, a high-fidelity and computationally efficient orbit propagation and determination software, with TransAstra's Sutter Telescope Technology, known for its extreme optical sensitivity. This synergy enables the detection of distant, faint GEO belt satellites, which serve as waypoints for autonomous navigation, significantly reducing reliance on ground-based systems. The primary goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of an onboard cislunar Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capability that promises a low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) footprint, making it a scalable solution across a broad spectrum of missions. The turnkey PNT payload will facilitate more robust and efficient mission operations, boosting engineering and scientific returns. This proposal outlines a plan to achieve these objectives through a phased approach, starting with a feasibility study, developing a high-fidelity simulation environment, and conducting comprehensive covariance analysis and trade studies. The proposed technology supports the rapidly expanding cislunar market, addressing the pressing need for sustainable space operations amidst the growing number of missions and strained ground-based systems. Kayhan Space and TransAstra's collaboration brings together cutting-edge software and sensor technology to pioneer an autonomous navigation system that leverages the observable GEO belt satellites from lunar distances. This project not only showcases a path towards independent cislunar navigation but also paves the way for establishing a cislunar PNT ecosystem critical for future lunar and beyond-Earth missions.