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Ultra-Wideband Time-Difference-of-Arrival High Resolution 3D Proximity Tracking SystemThis paper describes a research and development effort for a prototype ultra-wideband (UWB) tracking system that is currently under development at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). The system is being studied for use in tracking of lunar./Mars rovers and astronauts during early exploration missions when satellite navigation systems are not available. U IATB impulse radio (UWB-IR) technology is exploited in the design and implementation of the prototype location and tracking system. A three-dimensional (3D) proximity tracking prototype design using commercially available UWB products is proposed to implement the Time-Difference- Of-Arrival (TDOA) tracking methodology in this research effort. The TDOA tracking algorithm is utilized for location estimation in the prototype system, not only to exploit the precise time resolution possible with UWB signals, but also to eliminate the need for synchronization between the transmitter and the receiver. Simulations show that the TDOA algorithm can achieve the fine tracking resolution with low noise TDOA estimates for close-in tracking. Field tests demonstrated that this prototype UWB TDOA High Resolution 3D Proximity Tracking System is feasible for providing positioning-awareness information in a 3D space to a robotic control system. This 3D tracking system is developed for a robotic control system in a facility called "Moonyard" at Honeywell Defense & System in Arizona under a Space Act Agreement.
Document ID
20100017549
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Ni, Jianjun (Engineering Research and Consulting, Inc. Houston, TX, United States)
Arndt, Dickey (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Ngo, Phong (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Phan, Chau (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Dekome, Kent (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Dusl, John (Jacobs Technologies Engineering Science Contract Group Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2010
Subject Category
Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command And Tracking
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-20558
Meeting Information
Meeting: IEEE/ION Position Location and Nav Symposium 2010
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: May 4, 2010
End Date: May 6, 2010
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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