Title:
Modeling, Developing, and Optimizing Minimal Cislunar PNT Constellation

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Author(s)
Smith, Dillon W.
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Abstract
Cislunar space is expected to see a large increase in number of users over the next few decades. As a result, a cislunar positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service should be implemented in order to meet the demanding needs of users. Focus is placed on a near term version of the system that will cater to areas of interest in cislunar space, namely the lunar south pole. A standard set of metrics, including coverage and Positional Dilution of Precision (PDOP), are utilized to assess and compare various system configurations proposed in literature. Architectural changes are imposed onto literature constellations to produce novel constellations with the goal of increasing performance, which is achieved. To systematically improve constellation performance, an optimization process to determine the optimal satellite positioning along defined orbits is used to minimize PNT estimate errors. Optimized constellations are developed and compared to the originals in which it is seen that major performance increases are possible.
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Date Issued
2023-05-01
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Text
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Masters Project
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Unless otherwise noted, all materials are protected under U.S. Copyright Law and all rights are reserved