Autonomous Navigation-When Will We Have It?

Abstract

The utility of autonomous navigation for spacecraft operations is examined to define the related critical issues facing a spacecraft designer. From the various means available, relative navigation to other spacecraft, especially to GPS, is shown as the most cost-effective near-term means of approaching the goals of autonomous navigation, without necessarily achieving real autonomy. The latter will evolve with our confidence in artificial intelligence technology as an essential prerequisite to truly autonomous spacecraft operation, including the navigation task.