Angles-Only Initial Orbit Determination: Comparison of Relative Dynamics and Inertial Dynamics Approaches
Abstract
This paper investigates two classes of methods to determine the motion of a space object using line-of-sight measurements collected by a known space-based observer. The so-called classical initial orbit determination methods are typically applied to scenarios involving long baselines between the observer and the space object, such as an observer on Earth or an observer in a very different orbit from the space object. However, these methods are mathematically applicable to short baseline, i.e. close proximity, scenarios as well. By comparison, an initial relative orbit determination method has been developed primarily for close proximity scenarios. Thus, a comparison is warranted between and among the various classical initial orbit determination algorithms and the more recently developed initial relative orbit determination algorithm. This paper investigates such a comparison over a broad selection of simulated test cases. These cases encompass a variety of different space-based observer locations, as well as different space object orbits. Metrics of comparison include solution accuracy and line-of-sight residuals. In particular, the sensitivity of the various algorithms to measurement sample rate and separation between the observer and space object is explored.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1121954
Entities
People
- Alex E. Sizemore
- Andrew J. Sinclair
- Bradyn W. Morton
- Brett A. Newman
- Kenneth R. Horneman
- T. A. Lovell
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory