Distance Determination via Triangulation.
Abstract
This report investigates the feasibilty of distance determination by triangulation for artificial satellites, rockets, and so forth. The two-observer case is solved analytically and investigated in detail with respect to the propagation of errors. For objects distant compared to the observer to observer distance Delta rho, the variance of the observer-to-object distance R is given by Sigma sub R approx = (Sigma(R-squared))((csc theta)-squared)/Delta rho. Sigma is the standard deviation of the angular measurements, and theta is the angle between the observer-to-observer baseline and the direction to the object. The next topic discussed is the use of multiple, simultaneous, direction determinations for triangulation. A novel method is proposed to deal with this problem. It is extended to include observations with different measurement precision, and generalized to take into account the expanding conical nature of angular errors. Finally, some data acquired at the Experimental Test System of the GEODSS network and the Millstone Hill Radar are analyzed within this context. It is clear that there now exists a powerful observational tool to aid in initial orbit determination utilizing coordinated angles-only sensors. Keywords: Parallax; Satellite orbits; Initial orbit determination; Angles-only distance determination.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 11, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA165932
Entities
People
- Laurence G. Taff
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology