Integrated optical and X-ray pulsar methods for deep-space autonomous navigation based on an adaptive nonlinear filter

Abstract. Recent technological advancement and the commercialisation of the space sector have led to a significant surge in the development of space missions for deep-space exploration. Currently, deep-space missions mainly rely on ground-based Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) operations involving human-in-the-loop processes. Although being reliable, the ground-based navigation approach is prone to prolonged periods of communication delay, lacking real-time capabilities and autonomy. In addition, the booming growth of users in space will unavoidably lead to saturation of ground slots, hindering the progression of space exploration. Reducing the dependence on ground operation by developing on-board autonomous navigation methods represents a potential solution for future deep-space missions. Currently, navigation based on optical and X-ray pulsar measurements represents the two prominent methods for achieving autonomous deep-space navigation and will be investigated in this paper.