Delta-Differential One-Way Ranging (or Delta-DOR, Δ-DOR for short) is an interplanetary radio-tracking and navigation technique.[1]
How it is done
Radio signals from the spacecraft are received by two widely separated deep-space ground stations on Earth and the difference in the times of signal arrival is precisely measured[2] (and used to calculate a bearing[citation needed]). This is corrected using information about the current delays due to Earth's atmosphere, obtained by simultaneously tracking (from each ground location[3]) radio signals from a quasar (within 10 degrees of the same direction[3]).[2]
NASA uses its Deep Space Network to pick up signals from the spacecraft that tell navigators where the spacecraft are located.
This navigation service is called "tracking coverage" and it includes Doppler, ranging and delta differential one-way ranging, or "Delta DOR."[1][4]
Δ-DOR navigation has been used by number of NASA planetary missions. Other space agencies have also used the technique, on missions such as:
ESA used a Δ-DOR system for Venus Express' orbit insertion in April 2006 and to Rosetta's Mars swingby in February 2007. The technique was also used in guiding the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter during its cruise phase in 2016.[3][5][6][7][8]
CNSA is using Δ-DOR technique for Chang'e series lunar spacecraft tracking
[9][10]
^Huang, Yong; Chang, Shengqi; Li, Peijia; Hu, Xiaogong; Wang, Guangli; Liu, Qinghui; Zheng, Weimin; Fan, Min (1 September 2014). "Orbit determination of Chang'E-3 and positioning of the lander and the rover". Chinese Science Bulletin. 59 (29–30): 3858–3867. Bibcode:2014ChSBu..59.3858H. doi:10.1007/s11434-014-0542-9.