Research
Current Projects
Active Research Seminars
Fall 07 Seminar Series
Started in August 2007
Attached are presentations given during the LRG Fall 2007 Seminar Series.
Guidance and Control Algorithms
Design of guidance and Control Algorithms for Autonomous Rendezvous and Proximity Operations
Started in August 2006
This task is sponsored by General Dynamics for the purpose of developing automated estimation and control laws for vehicle proximity operations.
Mars Navigation Sensors
Mars Approach Navigation Using In-Situ Orbiters
Started in September 2004
The Electra transceiver is studied and tested to determine its anticipated performance as a navigation sensor at Mars.
New Sensor Concepts
Cislunar Navigation for the Orion/CEV Program
Started in August 2007
This task develops studies sensors and estimation algorithms for space navigation in the Cislunar region for NASA's Orion/CEV program.
Consortium for Autonomous Satellite Sensors (CASS)
Started in August 2006
This is a combination of projects intended to produce advances in autonomous sensors and satellite design.
Development of a Sensors and Actuators Lab for Education
Started in June 2006
This task provides support to create a new sensors and actuators teaching and research lab for experimentation with aerospace hardware.
Design and Testing of Algorithms for Small Satellite Sensors
Started in January 2006
This is a sensor fusion project sponsored by Systems Processes Engineering Corp. (SPEC) which combines measurements from a GPS antenna, a magnetometer, a star tracker, and IMUs into a single optimal estimate of platform attitude.
Space Flight Mission Support
Autonomous Tracking of Spacecraft from the UT Satellite Control Center
Started in August 2007
This is an academic development project to provide automated ground station capability needed to support future student built satellite missions like FASTRAC, PARADIGM, and 2-STEP.
Software Modifications and Performance Testing for TanDEM-X IGOR
Started in March 2007
This is a test program to modify an IGOR receive to have improved on-orbit capability for the TanDEM-X satellite.
TerraSAR-X BlackJack Receiver Software Development and Testing
Started in April 2006
This task provides critical flight software development and testing for the TerraSAR-X satellite's BlackJack GPS receiver.
Student Built Satellites
2-Satellite Targeting Experimental Platform (2-STEP)
Started in April 2007
2-STEP is The University of Texas's entry into the University Nanosatellite-5 competition. This is UT's third entry as a finalist in the competition-the previous ones being FASTRAC and ARTEMIS.
PARADIGM Picosatellite Experiment
Started in January 2006
This project develops a student built picosatellite which will fly in space on a future Space Shuttle mission.
FASTRAC (Formation Autonomy Satellite with Thrust Relnav Attitude and Crosslink)
Started in April 2003
FASTRAC is the University of Texas at Austin's first student built satellite project, planned for launch into space in late 2006 or 2007.
Completed Projects
Extending the Capabilities of the BlackJack GPS Receiver for Earth Science Applications
Completed in August 2006
This project looks specifically at the performance of the BlackJack GPS receiver and techniques to improve its capability beyond the current state of the art.
Satellite Attitude Formations
Completed in January 2004
This task investigates the potential of multiple satellites with GPS receivers to perform relative attitude determination and control.
Relative Positioning Using Pseudolites in the Navigation Systems Testing Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center
Completed in December 2003
This research investigates the use of GPS receivers and pseudolites as tools for relative positioning in the Navigation Systems & Technology Laboratory (NSTL) at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Synthesis of GPS Attitude Determination Algorithms
Completed in August 2003
The goal of this task is to take several attitude determination algorithms that have been developed separately and to combine them into a single design.
Spacecraft Rendezvous Navigation with Integrated INS-GPS
Completed in August 2001
One of the most pressing current technical issue is the design of a new system for autonomous relative navigation in the proximity of the ISS.
GPS Orion Receiver Development
To improve the overall navigation performance of the Orion receiver, integrated carrier phase measurements have been made available using a 3rd order phase lock loop (PLL) assisted by a 2nd order frequency lock loop (FLL).
Lightweight, Low Cost Integrated GPS/INS Navigation
By combining the outputs of a GPS and an INS using an extended Kalman filter (EKF), the performance issues of both systems can be remedied.
Decentralized Control of Satellites
Completed in August 2002
The purpose of this task is to examine different control laws, particularly decentralized algorithms, for the guidance and control of formations of satellites.
Orbiting Beacon Navigation for Pinpoint Landing
Completed in May 2007
The Electra transceiver is studied as a potential precision landing device on Mars (landing accuracy within 1 km of target).
Sensing and Control Methods for Large Satellite Formations
Completed in December 2006
New sensor concepts are developed using existing radionavigation technologies such as GPS receivers and transponders for Earth orbit and beyond.
Roll Angle Determination of a High Velocity Projectile Using GPS Measurements
Completed in May 2004
A new technique is created for measuring the roll angle of a spinning supersonic projectile.
Attitude Determination Using Non-Aligned Antennas
Completed in April 2003
A method has been developed to determine the attitude of a vehicle using signal to noise ratio measurements from multiple GPS antennas.
Spacehab Antenna Pointing System
Completed in August 2001
A GPS attitude sensor was developed for an antenna pointing system on the Spacehab Double Module which occupies the Shuttle Orbiter bay.
GPS Altimetry and Reflections Processing
Completed in May 2001
A study was performed to determine the feasibility of using a dual frequency GPS receiver (such as the BlackJack) to measure reflections of GPS signals from the surface of the Earth as a science measurement.
International Space Station GPS Receiver Support Task
Completed in December 2003
The purpose of this task is to provide testing, analysis, and software support for the delivery of the GPS receiver attitude software to the International Space Station (ISS).
ARTEMIS (Autonomous Rendezvous and rapid Turnaround Experimental Maneuverable Inspector Satellite)
Completed in March 2007
Two satellites will separate to a distance of several kilometers and then rendezvous in the ARTEMIS mission.
