Deep Space X-ray Navigation and Communication (SEXTANT)/NICER
Develop capabilities that will enable sustained human presence throughout the solar system by using Pulsars for autonomous navigation.
High bandwidth communications and advanced navigation capabilities will enable future deep space exploration of the solar system and pinpoint navigation in near-Earth space. The X-ray navigation and communications project element will focus on the development of the X-ray based technologies capable of providing accurate navigation and high bandwidth communications beyond the inner solar system. Technology test beds including those that utilize the ISS will be considered.
Principal Investigators:
Ron Litchford (ron.litchford@nasa.gov)
Project Manager:
Jason Mitchell (jason.w.mitchell@nasa.gov)
NASA Taps the Power of Zombie Stars in Two-in-One InstrumentApril 9, 2013, 12:33 pm
Neutron stars have been called the zombies of the cosmos. They shine even though they’re technically dead, occasionally feeding on neighboring stars if they venture too close. Interestingly, these unusual objects, born when a massive star extinguishes its fuel and collapses under its own gravity, also may help future space travelers navigate to Mars and [...]
NICER/SEXTANTOctober 6, 2011, 1:06 pm
On April 15, 2010, the President challenged NASA to “break through the barriers” to enable the “first-ever crewed missions beyond the Moon into deep space” by 2025. One of these barriers is navigation technology. In the 18th century, the advancement of clock technology and resulting improvement in navigation fidelity brought us to the New World that [...]
