Orbit Determination in the Presence of Unmodeled Accelerations

Abstract

This report summarizes the results of three years work on Grant AFOSR 72-2233. Based on the results obtained during the course of study, it can be concluded that using observations from topocentric tracking stations, the Dynamic Model Compensation Method can be used to obtain an accurate approximation of the unmodeled aerodynamic forces acting on a space vehicle due to (1) Uncertainties in the atmospheric model and (2) Variations in the drag parameter. The accuracy of the estimate will be influenced by the accuracy and density of the observations and the tracking station distribution. The observation accuracy requirements for successful implementation require participating satellites; that is, accurate estimates of the density cannot be obtained with 'skintrack' or passive observations. However, there are alternate formulations which hold potential for drag estimation using passive satellite observations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1975
Accession Number
ADA013842

Entities

People

  • B. D. Tapley

Organizations

  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Aerodynamic Forces
  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheric Density
  • Compensation
  • Differential Equations
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Lunar Satellites
  • Manned Spacecraft
  • Models
  • Observation
  • Spacecraft
  • Stations
  • Tracking Stations
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Geodesy
  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris