pulsars as beacons: enabling deep-space autonomous navigation
- Paper ID
102671
- DOI
- author
- company
National Aviation Academy - Azerbaijan; Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU)
- country
Azerbaijan
- year
2025
- abstract
The article is devoted to the study of the use of pulsars for the creation of high-precision autonomous navigation systems for spacecraft. Pulsars are astronomical objects that emit regular pulses of electromagnetic waves with high accuracy and stability. This makes them important for solving problems of navigation in space. Unlike traditional navigation systems such as GPS or GLONASS, the use of pulsars allows the creation of systems that can operate anywhere in space without depending on external signal sources. The article discusses in detail the theoretical foundations of navigation using pulsars, their physical characteristics and potential advantages. One of the main problems is determining the exact time of signal arrival, since the variability of the intensity and periodicity of pulses can create difficulties for accurate measurements. To solve this problem, it is necessary to develop improved models of pulsar pulses, including improved signal processing algorithms. Prototypes of navigation systems using pulsars are also described, such as concepts implementing the principle of interstellar navigation through pulsar databases that allow spacecraft to determine their location and velocity with high accuracy. Predictions are given on how these systems can be used in future deep space missions, including autonomous travel beyond the Solar System. Particular attention is paid to the potential of such systems for autonomous navigation, which are carried out in deep space conditions, where communication with Earth may be difficult or impossible due to the enormous distances. For example, pulsar-based navigation could enhance the autonomy of long-duration planetary missions, such as Mars Sample Return or lunar exploration programs, reducing reliance on Earth-based tracking networks. Possible ways of integrating pulsar navigation systems into current and future space missions, including missions to Mars, asteroids, and even interstellar exploration, are also considered. Pulsar navigation has great potential for the development of autonomous and high-precision navigation systems that can ensure the independence of spacecraft from Earth and improve the efficiency of future space exploration and missions.