Autonomous, Hand-Held Satellite Location and Pointing System (SLAPS)

Adroit Systems, Inc. proposes to develop a hand-held , autonomous Satellite Location and Point System (SLAPS). The system will store communication satellites' ephemeris data to calculate and display visibility windows. SLAPS also will use this data to calculate the azimuth and elevation angle to the communication satellite of interest. The system will use interferometry of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite signals to determine its pointing angle. The user will be guided to the proper pointing angle by a visual display and audio cueing. Using GPS to determine the pointing angle to the satellite confers additional benefits on the user. The user will have his position and time in a universal reference frame used by the rest of the military. A pointing system based on GPS does not have to be calibrated, and is made of rugged, solid state electronics with no moving parts or optics. It will work in all latitudes because it is not susceptible to magnetic field deviations. In Phase I, Adroit proposes to develop the system and component functional specifications. These specifications will be used to determine the feasibility of the concept. A design methodology will then be developed in anticipation of prototyping SLAPS in Phase II.