Estimation of Relative Satellite Formation Element Positions in Near Circular Orbits

Abstract

Precise relative position determination of satellite formation elements in near circular orbits is the focus of this thesis. A Bayes filter is used for the estimator with the dynamics solution obtained by solving the time periodic, linearized system via Floquet theory. This approach is similar to that of the traditional Clohessy-Wiltshire treatment, however much more of the system's behavior is retained by using a linear, time periodic system. The dynamics model includes all zonal harmonics of the Earth as well as sectoral, tesseral, and air drag perturbations. The filter algorithm was fed three types of simulated measurements: relative Carrier-Phases Differential GPS data, Standard Positioning System GPS data and range measurements between each satellite. Simulations were conducted to investigate the accuracy obtainable with these measurements. Results obtained are on the order of the noise of the measurements, which is as low as 2 centimeters in each coordinate axis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA390162

Entities

People

  • Ralph E. Bordner

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Bayes Filters
  • Circular Orbits
  • Computational Science
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Estimators
  • Filters
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Mathematical Filters
  • Measurement
  • Orbits
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Standards

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris