Advances in GPS Translator Technology
John B. McConnell, Robert H. Greenberg, Robert B. Pickett, Phillip Wildhagen, Alison K. Brown · 1989
Since 1974, two generations of tracking systems employing Global Positioning System {GPS) translators have supported the Navy Trident Fleet Ballistic Missile program. Currently a third generation system is being developed by the GPS Range Applications Joint Program Office (RAJPO) for the SOl Exoatmospheric Reentry Intercept System {ERIS) program. Further advances in techno 1 ogy are expected to significantly reduce the size, weight and cost of translator systems which will expand their potential use. This paper projects how technology improvements will shape the development of new translator systems, addresses future applications of trans 1 a tor systems and presents a design approach for an Advanced Translator Processing System {ATPS). The ATPS could be deployed on a small general aviation type aircraft to provide over-the-horizon tracking support for multiple range participants.