The Application Research of Phase Referencing Imaging in Deep Space Navigation

Aimed at the higher requirements for spacecraft navigation accuracy and shortcomings of traditional radio interferometry methods, this paper analyzes the advantages of phase referencing imaging used in deep space navigation, and then gives an introduction of its application in several missions. Finally, combined with the ground stations configuration and facilities in China, the feasibility of carrying out such experiments is discussed, as well as the possible measurement errors. The conclusion is that China has the ability to do phase referencing imaging experiments, and the available precision is about 4 nanorad (nrad). It’s hopeful to apply this technique into Chinese future deep space exploration.