Navigation system for radio-controlled cars model: a test case for satellites formations guidance navigation and control problems

An analysis of the formation-approach to several vehicles such as satellites, rovers for planets explorations, and UAVs is presented in this paper, with particular attention to formation-related requirements and analyzing system requirements and interfaces which can be considered independent from platform nature. Moreover, hardware common elements are envisaged and a ground testbed is consequently designed assuming hierarchical philosophy as a first step. The ground testbed system is aimed at hardware-in-the-loop simulation of space vehicle formations with emphasis on formation approach, philosophy, and hardware conceptual implementation rather than specific design and dynamics. Thus, it based on car models, which allow simple implementation, possibility of continuous testing at low cost, and inspection of highlevel issues. Some identified technologies, related to data management and communications such as CAN data bus and wireless LAN interlink, are identified as critical though promising solutions.