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RSC Energia: Autonomous Satellite Navigation System for Spacecraft Undergoes Tests. / April 10, 2016 /

The RSC Energia completed the in-flight tests of the Autonomous Satellite Navigation System for the Soyuz MS and Progress MS series spacecraft and for a new generation of manned transport spacecraft as well.

„In-flight tests have been successfully completed and now the documentation for commissioning the system is under preparation. There are no other similar satellite systems for spacecraft in the world capable of fulfilling navigational tasks with such a high accuracy“, said Mikhail Mikhailov, Head of RSC Energia Sector, one of the system developers.

He emphasizes the ASN equipment installed on board Progress MS and Soyuz MS is 5-6 times cheaper than the foreign counterparts. The lower cost was achieved at the expense of replacement of much hardware by software solutions.

The new autonomous navigation system operating with the GLONASS and GPS signals is installed on the Soyuz MS and Progress MS series spacecraft and is scheduled for installation on the manned transport spacecraft of a new generation as well. The system measures the spacecraft orbital parameters, and provides its attitude control and navigation during rendezvous with the ISS.

The ASN system comprises four multidirectional receiving antennas mathematically combined into one virtual antenna with a wide field of view. This allows continuous measurements by signals from 20-24 navigation satellites with any spacecraft orientation. It assures a high accuracy and reliability.

The system enables measuring the spacecraft orbital parameters by coordinates with about 5m accuracy regardless of its orientation. The orientation measuring accuracy is 0.5°. The relative coordinates when rendezvous are computed with the accuracy of up to 1 meter however it will be improved to 3-4 cm.

The unique characteristics are due to the system capability of operating with two satellite constellations simultaneously: GLONASS and GPS. Most western navigation systems operate exclusively with the GPS.

ROSCOSMOS Press Service

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