Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer

Distributed Multi-GNSS Timing and Localization (DiGiTal) 2.0 for

Nanosatellites, Phase I
Completed Technology Project (2019 - 2021)

Project Description
he Distributed Multi-GNSS Timing and Localization (DiGiTaL) 2.0 system will
leverage an existing partnership between Tyvak and the Stanford’s Space
Rendezvous Laboratory (SLAB) to advance the development required to
provide precise knowledge of absolute and relative states of multiple orbiting
nanosatellites necessary to mimic a gigantic spacecraft though a swarm of
spacecraft with adjustable baselines. Cooperative swarms of space vehicles
have the potential to change fundamentally how many future space missions
are performed. By distributing payload tasks among multiple coordinated
units, referred to as a Distributed Space Systems (DSS), rather than on a Distributed Multi-GNSS Timing
monolithic single spacecraft, advanced missions in Earth and planetary and Localization (DiGiTal) 2.0
science, on-orbit servicing, and space situational awareness are possible. for Nanosatellites, Phase I
Centimeter-level relative positioning precision can be obtained from Global
Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) using differential carrier-phase Table of Contents
techniques, where synchronous measurements are shared between spacecraft
and error-cancelling combinations of various data types are formed to create Project Description 1
precise baseline knowledge. Combined with the innovation Tyvak is leading in Anticipated Benefits 1
spacecraft miniaturization, whereby micro- and nanosatellites are transitioning Primary U.S. Work Locations
from being merely educational tools to a viable scientific platform, future and Key Partners 2
missions not possible on a monolithic spacecraft are enabled. We will use the Organizational Responsibility 2
challenging miniaturized Distributed Occulator/ Telescope (mDOT) Project Management 2
astrophysics mission as a reference to provide actual requirements to inform Images 3
the development. Technology Maturity (TRL) 3
Technology Areas 3
Anticipated Benefits Target Destination 3
Views on TechPort 3
The improvement of positioning, timing, and navigation of spacecraft swarms
is a stepping stone to enable sparse cooperative apertures with breakthrough
applications which span the NASA scientific portfolio including Earth and Space
Science. The proposed DiGiTaL 2.0 system will support different
communication architectures required by the Exploration portfolio and will
impact substantially NASA future missions.

Like the NASA applicability above, there are many non-NASA applications for
this technology. Sparse apertures can be used for communication, imaging
throughout the electromagnetic spectrum, and many other missions that are
performed by non-NASA government and commercial entities.

For more information and an accessible alternative, please visit: Page 1

Printed on 11/13/2023 https://techport.nasa.gov/view/112861
06:19 AM IST
 Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer

Distributed Multi-GNSS Timing and Localization (DiGiTal) 2.0 for

Nanosatellites, Phase I
Completed Technology Project (2019 - 2021)

Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners

Organizational
Responsibility
Responsible Mission
Directorate:
Space Technology Mission
Directorate (STMD)

Lead Organization:
Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems
Inc.

Responsible Program:
Small Business Innovation
Research/Small Business Tech
Transfer

Project Management
Organizations
Role Type Location Program Director:
Performing Work
Jason L Kessler
Tyvak Nano-Satellite Lead Irvine,
Industry Program Manager:
Systems Inc. Organization California
Carlos Torrez
Jet Propulsion Supporting Pasadena, Project Managers:
FFRDC/UARC
Laboratory(JPL) Organization California Carol R Lewis
Lynn M Torres
Stanford Supporting Stanford,
Academia
University(Stanford) Organization California Principal Investigator:
Austin T Williams

Co-Investigator:
Primary U.S. Work Locations
Todd Mosher
California

For more information and an accessible alternative, please visit: Page 2

Printed on 11/13/2023 https://techport.nasa.gov/view/112861
06:19 AM IST
 Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer

Distributed Multi-GNSS Timing and Localization (DiGiTal) 2.0 for

Nanosatellites, Phase I
Completed Technology Project (2019 - 2021)

Images
Technology Maturity
Briefing Chart Image
https://techport.nasa.gov/image/251904 (TRL)
Distributed Multi-GNSS Timing and Localization Start: 3
(DiGiTal) 2.0 for Nanosatellites, Phase I Current: 4
Estimated End: 4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Applied
Development Demo & Test
Research

Technology Areas
Primary:

TX05 Communications,
Navigation, and Orbital
Debris Tracking and
Characterization Systems

Target Destination
Others Inside the Solar System

Views on TechPort
85 views

For more information and an accessible alternative, please visit: Page 3

Printed on 11/13/2023 https://techport.nasa.gov/view/112861
06:19 AM IST