Maneuver Estimation Model for Geostationary Orbit Determination
Abstract
As an increasing number of geostationary satellites fill a limited number of orbital slots, collocation of satellites leads to a risk of close approach or misidentification. The ability to detect maneuvers made by these satellites using optical observations can help to prevent these problems. Such a model has already been created and tested using data from the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing site. The goal of this research was to create a more robust model which would reduce the amount of data needed to make accurate maneuver estimations. The Clohessy-Wiltshire equations were used to model the relative motion of a geostationary satellite about its intended location, and a nonlinear least squares algorithm was developed to estimate the satellite trajectories.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA453944
Entities
People
- Brian J. Hirsch
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology