Space Based Satellite Tracking and Characterization Utilizing Non-Imaging Passive Sensors

Abstract

A technique is developed to determine the orbit of a sunlight illuminated satellite passing through the field-of-view of a sensor platform in a Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) and Geosynchronous orbit (GEO). The technique develops two different methods of initial orbit determination. The first relies on the Gauss initial orbit determination method to develop an estimate of the state from angular data. The second method relies on positional data of the target relative to the Earth's background to determine an estimate of the state. These estimates are then refined in a non-linear least squares routine. This estimate of the state is then used to identify the target from the Air Force Space Command satellite catalog.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA478890

Entities

People

  • Bradley R. Townsend

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Apogees
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Circular Orbits
  • Department Of Defense
  • Earth Orbits
  • Elliptical Orbits
  • Focal Plane Arrays
  • Focal Planes
  • Geometry
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Orbital Elements
  • Perigees
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Space Objects

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Satellites
  • Space - Space Objects