Tracking Two Spacecraft With Same-Beam Interferometry

Abstract

Accuracy greater than in prior interferometric spacecraft tracking. Report discusses use of same-beam interferometry in determining relative positions of two spacecraft, one in orbit around distant planet, other either in orbit or on surface of planet. Same-beam interferometry used when angle subtended by both spacecraft, as seen from Earth, less than angular width of beam of tracking antenna. Two ground stations separated by long baseline simultaneously and continuously track phases of carrier signals transmitted by both spacecraft.