A Study of Natural Electromagnetic Phenomena for Space Navigation

A study has been carried out for the United States Air Force investigating the use of natural electromagnetic radiation in the space environment for navigational purposes. Radiations from the sun, the stars, and interstellar space in both the visible and RF portions of the spectrum and also cosmic rays have been investigated. Emphasis has been placed on the measurement of velocity in space utilizing the Doppler phenomenon. Equipment and techniques useful in deriving velocity information from Doppler shift measurements are described and figures for expected accuracy are derived. Other passive techniques having possible application to space navigation such as the measurement of total solar radiation and solar diameter are briefly discussed.