Navigation of a Satellite Cluster with Realistic Dynamics

Abstract

Previous work in the area of estimation of relative positions within a satellite cluster showed favorable results. However, the work was done using point mass orbits in the truth model. This thesis investigates the estimation of relative satellite positions operating in near circular orbit including the J sub 2 term in Earth's geopotential. The iterated, extended Kalman filter is used as the on-board estimator in order to gain better performance in the face of the non-linearities. The dynamics in the estimator are based on the Clohessy- Wiltshire equations for relative orbital motion. Inputs to the host estimator are range measurements from each satellite in the cluster. The relative position to the host satellite is investigated. A comparison of the true error and the rms covariance was performed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA243897

Entities

People

  • J. T. Middendorf

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Algorithms
  • Computer Programs
  • Covariance
  • Data Acquisition
  • Dynamics
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Estimators
  • Filters
  • Kalman Filters
  • Mathematical Filters
  • Measurement
  • Orbits
  • Recursive Filters
  • Trajectories

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris