Enabling distributed spacecraft system operations with the crosslink transceiver

This research details the development and performance of the crosslink transceiver, an integrated navigation and communication system that enables distributed spacecraft system operations. The crosslink transceiver is a modular, extensible system that supports science operations among multiple, distributed space assets by implementing the essential functions of navigation, communication and control. Distributed spacecraft systems, also called formation flying systems, extend the capabilities of single-spacecraft missions by providing a platform for complex sensing tasks, including multipoint observation, co-observation, and distributed apertures. To accomplish these tasks, such systems rely on the ability to communicate science and coordination information, to determine relative position, velocity and time for command and control operations, and to operate in a coordinated manner to achieve common mission goals. The utility of the crosslink transceiver to support these operations is established by demonstrating its applicability to near-term science and military missions.