NASA NTRS · 20180001253
SEXTANT X-Ray Pulsar Navigation Demonstration: Initial On-Orbit Results
Abstract
Millisecond pulsars (MSPs) are rapidly rotating neutron stars that appear to pulsate across the electromagnetic spectrum. Some MSPs have long-term timing stability that rivals that of atomic clocks. Pulse arrival phase can be predicted with great accuracy at any reference point in the Solar System through use of a pulsar timing model on a spacecraft. Comparing observed phase to predictions gives information that may be used in a navigation process. Why X-rays? Some stable MSPs have conveniently detectable X-ray emissions. X-rays are immune to interstellar dispersion effects thought to limit radio pulsar timing models. Highly directional compact detectors possible.
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Mitchell, Jason W., Winternitz, Luke B., Hassouneh, Munther A., Price, Samuel R., Semper, Sean R., Yu, Wayne H., Ray, Paul S., Wolf, Michael T., Kerr, Matthew, Wood, Kent S., Arzoumanian, Zaven, Gendreau, Keith C., Guillemot, Lucas, Cognard, Ismael, Demorest, Paul. 2018-02-07. SEXTANT X-Ray Pulsar Navigation Demonstration: Initial On-Orbit Results. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20180001253
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