This 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.


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    Title :

    Ultra-Wideband Time-Difference-of-Arrival High Resolution 3D Proximity Tracking System


    Contributors:
    Ni, Jianjun (author) / Arndt, Dickey (author) / Ngo, Phong (author) / Phan, Chau (author) / Dekome, Kent (author) / Dusl, John (author)

    Conference:

    IEEE/ION Position Location and Nav Symposium 2010 ; 2010 ; Palm Springs, CA, United States


    Publication date :

    2010-01-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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