Todd Ely
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Seminar Information
This seminar covers the basics of deep space navigation including its measurements, methods, and the typical performance realized in the different phases of a space mission. Focus will be on navigating to the Moon and Mars and in orbit about them. Key factors contributing to a reliable trajectory solution such as geometric diversity, complimentary data types, accurate error modeling/compensation will be highlighted. Throughout, the role of clocks and the navigation capabilities that could be enabled by the ready availability of stable space clocks will be discussed.
Dr. Todd Ely has 40 years of experience in astrodynamics and space navigation, developing and implementing navigation systems and architectures for numerous projects – big and small – including the Mars Network, the Electra radio, JPL’s MONTE navigation software, the Constellation Program, and as the principal investigator and project manager for the DSAC Technology Demonstration Mission that demonstrated the most stable clock ever flown in space.
He is currently supporting two recent awards from NASA. One as Co-Investigator to develop the next generation atomic clock (HPAC) and the other as a Co-Principal Investigator to develop the next generation autonomous navigation capability (AstroNav) and demonstrate it in cislunar space.
Dr Ely is a former professor, Air Force Officer, and graduate of Purdue University. He is the recipient of JPL’s Magellan Award, NASA’s Outstanding Public Leadership Medal, and, recently, the Institute of Navigation’s Tycho Brahe Award.