Well I poured over that Globe article, and found no mention of Ultrasound signals.

There is a large difference between using ultrasound in a vacuum for detecting locations of similar satellites, and mining where the drills are used for drilling deep into cellestial bodies.

M.

It appears to be in an infographic published in the print edition -- but not published on the Web.

In a graphic describing how the mini-satellites interact, captions read: "Infrared flashes will trigger beacons placed in one section of the space station. The beacons respond with ultrasonic signals of their own. Satellites position themselves using the beacons' signals, much as GPS receivers use Global Positioning System satellites. Blasts of CO2 allow satellites to maintain position or fly in pre-programmed formations."

It's certainly possible that the Globe is inaccurately describing how the satellites function. If you'd like further clarification, consider following up with Payload Systems directly. I'm sure they can better explain how their system works.

I'd say that was inaccurate; ultrasound just simply doesnt work in a vacuum, so i find it very doubtful that it positions itself using them.

M.

The Globe article talks about doing experiments IN the space station (not a vacuum) where ultrasound would work. I suspect they are verifying their software algorithms in a weightless environment; they are not testing the beacon mechanism at this point yet.
I believe AFRL sponsors much of this work, http://www.vs.afrl.af.mil/TechProgs/TechSat21/. Its good to see it in mainstream media and not just the astro trade journals.

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