Determination of Position Around Near-Earth Asteroids Using Communication Relays

Abstract

In this paper we consider the possibility of using a communications system that is operating between probes on the surface of an asteroid and an orbiting satellite to more accurately determine spatial positions. This is done by measuring the round trip communication delay between the orbiter and various surface probes to estimate distance. From these distance measurements, the position can be determined using trilateration - the same basic technique behind the earth-based GPS system. Within the framework of this scenario, the location of the probes or the orbiter can be determined depending on the scenario.