NavCube3-mini Lunar GNSS Receiver

Abstract

This paper describes development and testing of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center’s new NavCube3-mini (NC3m) spaceborne, weak-signal GNSS receiver, which targets all Earth orbit regimes with special focus on lunar applications. NC3m derives from the ground-breaking Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission Navigator GPS receiver. The MMS-Navigator (launched 2015) holds a Guinness World Record for highest altitude GPS fix and is currently in a highly elliptic orbit with a 29 Earth radii apogee, nearly half lunar distance. NC3m has reduced size, weight, and power compared to the MMS-Navigator, making it suitable for smallsat applications, and adds multi-frequency and multi-GNSS capabilities, among other improvements. A NC3m engineering test unit was subjected to and successfully completed a comprehensive Technology Readiness Level 6 (system/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment) testing campaign in the second half of 2022. This involved high-fidelity simulations in LEO, GEO, and lunar regimes and full environmental testing, including vibration, thermal vacuum, and electromagnetic compatibility. An overview of the NC3m receiver, the test setup, and a sample of results is presented. The results include predicted performance at high-altitude and in the lunar regime.