Orbital Parameter Determination by Weighted Least Square Error and Kalman Filtering Methods
Abstract
The Extended Kalman Filter and Weighted Least Square Error filtering techniques are used to determine estimates of the classical orbital parameters of a passive near-earth satellite. Modelling of the geopotential is complete through J(sub 6,6). Modelling of the earth's atmosphere includes day-night variations as well as altitude variations. Kalman smoothing is also performed. Both filter techniques were used on a simulated orbit as well as a polar circular orbit and a low perigee eccentric orbit obtained from actual radar data. The determination of the orbital parameters of the simulated orbit yielded an absolute as well as a relative comparison of the filter techniques. The analyses of the orbits determined from actual data yeilded a relative comparison of the filter techniques. Comparable results were achieved with both filter techniques. Analyses include discussion of orbital perturbations as well as mean orbital elements. All orbits considered were multi-pass with a limited number of observations per revolution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0757880
Entities
People
- Joseph J. Pollard
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology