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Batch Dilution of Precision Optimal Navigation Planning for Cislunar Environments

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Abstract

Nova-C is a lunar lander developed by the private company Intuitive Machines to deliver commercial payloads to the Moon. The IM-1 mission will launch and land the Nova-C near the Moon’s south pole. In this paper, Batch Dilution of Precision (DOP) methods are explored to assess Orbit Determination (OD) performance based on the nominal IM-1 trajectory. Utilizing a range to range-rate measurement error ratio to normalize the position uncertainties, this paper lays out the methodology to derive and incorporate a recursive, time-series Batch Least-Squares algorithm. Through the normalization, the Batch Least Squares algorithm produces a unitless Position Dilution of Precision metric. The normalized-weighted DOP method is used within a genetic algorithm optimizer to determine ground station tracking schedules that optimize OD performance. An assessment of OD performance is studied for key mission events including trajectory correction maneuvers, lunar orbit insertion, and descent orbit insertion. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a fully integrated DOP and Linear Covariance Analysis optimization tool to minimize operational costs and maximize OD performance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Utah State University, North Logan, UT, 84341, USA

    Quinn Moon

  2. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory, 416E Innovation Avenue, North Logan, UT, 84341, USA

    David K. Geller

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  1. Quinn Moon
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  2. David K. Geller
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Correspondence to Quinn Moon.

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Moon, Q., Geller, D.K. Batch Dilution of Precision Optimal Navigation Planning for Cislunar Environments. J Astronaut Sci 70, 44 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40295-023-00409-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40295-023-00409-4

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