Abstract: A method of enhancing on-board state estimation for a spacecraft utilizes a network of assets to include planetary-based assets and space-based assets. Communication signals transmitted from each of the assets into space are defined by a common protocol. Data is embedded in each communication signal transmitted by the assets. The data includes a time-of-transmission for a corresponding one of the communication signals and a position of a corresponding one of the assets at the time-of-transmission. A spacecraft is equipped to receive the communication signals, has a clock synchronized to the space-wide time reference frame, and has a processor programmed to generate state estimates of the spacecraft. Using its processor, the spacecraft determines a one-dimensional range from itself to at least one of the assets and then updates its state estimates using each one-dimensional range.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a casing with an opened end for receiving a liquid and a holding end where the liquid is stored. Between the open end and the holding end there narrow neck. A ball is placed into the opened end of the casing, so that lodging the ball into the neck will seal the neck area so that the liquid contained within the holding area will remain in the holding area until the ball is dislodged upon impact. Attached to the opened end of the casing is a nozzle. The nozzle serves two purposes, first it assures that the liquid contained within the casing does not quickly run out of the device upon impact minimizing the spray area covered by the liquid. Additionally the nozzle contains a number of holes distributed throughout the surface of said nozzle, so that the passage of liquid through the nozzle will cause the device to flail erratically, further maximizing the area sprayed by the device.