OrbFix

Space grade GNSS receivers, with varying degrees of functionality have been available on the micro and small satellite market for several years. The demand for such systems is firstly derived from the most sought application of these satellite classes: precise formation flying and PVT correlated measurements in a spatially distributed network.

OrbFix Prototype

Furthermore, the IOD potential of these satellites, makes them the ideal target for experimental missions testing for close orbital maneuvers, for collision avoidance as safety procedures and even for docking. Once demonstrated, these technologies open up new possibilities for deorbiting, in orbit servicing applications, close orbit monitoring and inspection of large targets (i.e. ISS) and even fragmented spacecraft.

RISE’s solution features a low-cost, COTS-based, Precise Point Positioning, multi-constellation, multi-frequency GNSS receiver for micro and small satellites, allowing ≤10 cm positioning accuracy on a low Earth orbit fully compatible with CubeSat standard. It makes use of trained neural models that can estimate and correct trajectories of spacecrafts, resulting in a more accurate orbit description.

OrbFix during vibration testing campaign

GNSS technology

448 hardware channels for simultaneous tracking of all visible supported satellite signals:

  • GPS: L1C/A, L1C, L1PY, L2C, L2P, L5
  • GLONASS: L1CA, L2CA, L2P, L3CDMA
  • BeiDou: B1l, B1C, B2a, B2I, B3
  • Galileo: E1, E5a, E5b, E5 AltBloc, E6
  • QZSS: L1C/A, L1C, L2C, L5, L6
  • SBAS: Egnos, WAAS, GAGAN, MSAS, SDCM (L1, L5)

Performance

  • Standalone positioning < 1.5 m 3D RMS
  • PPP positioning < 0.1 m 3D RMS
  • Velocity accuracy 3 cm/s
  • xPPS out 5 ns
  • Event accuracy < 20 ns

Protocols

  • NMEA 0183, v2.3, v3.03, v4.0
  • Binary File Logging
  • RTCM v2.x, v3.x (MSN included)

Interfaces

  • 3V3 primary power input
  • 1 UART (LVTTL, up to 4 Mbps)
  • 1 I2C communication
  • microSD slot (up to 16GB)
  • On/OFF high-level command interface or autostart upon voltage application
  • 1 SPI Slave interface ⋆
  • 1 CAN controller (transceiver included) ⋆
  • 1 SpaceWire ⋆


    ⋆ Available on request

Package

  • Compatibility CubeSat standard stack (PC/104)
  • Type Double-Sided multilayer PCBs
  • Size 90 x 95 x TBD mm
  • Weight 75 g (150 g with Al shield)

Electrical

  • Antenna pre-amplification range 15-50 dB
  • Antenna bias voltage 3-5.5 V
    Build-in-current limit (150 mA)
  • Input Voltage 3.3 VDC
  • Power consumption <2W typical, 2.5W max

Environmental

  • Operating temp. -30 to 60 0C
  • Storage temp. -40 to 70 0C