JMAPS

Abstract

Joint Milli-Arcsecond Pathfinder Survey (JMAPS) program. Joint strike operations require extremely accurate Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems in order to locate hostile threats with space-borne Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, and then to deliver ordnance on precisely selected targets. The Navy provides a key component of PNT - the Celestial Reference Frame. This reference frame is defined in star catalogs that are used in conjunction with star trackers to determine orientation of space-based sensors to minimize target location accuracy and the resultant weapon system accuracy. The accuracy of star positions (hence ability to hit desired target) is degrading with time due to the movement of stars since the last highly accurate space-based measurements of star positions (order of 1 milli-arcsecond) were made in 1991. The accuracy of the catalog is approaching the minimum necessary to support current requirements, and will not meet future needs for high accuracy sensors and weapon systems. The JMAPS initiative will satisfy the emerging requirements for a new high accuracy star catalog through a space-based astrometry mission that will also "pathfind" new star tracker technology as a risk reduction for future ISR systems. Producing star catalogs with sufficient accuracy to meet these requirements can only be done from space platforms (satellites) due to atmospheric interference on ground-based systems and the physical limitations of high atmospheric aircraft.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
3229_0603207N_4_1319_PB_2012

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects

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