Initial Determination of Low Earth Orbits Using Commercial Telescopes

Abstract

Within the last decade, many new technologies have significantly changed the face of private astronomy. Developments such as inexpensive but high-quality sensors, rapid personal computing, and easy networking inspire a reexamination of an old problem: how practical is it to develop initial orbit estimates for Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites using optical tracking? This paper documents the design and implementation of a commercial telescope system used to answer precisely that question. This analysis determined there are some challenging barriers to successful single-site orbit determination, but it is possible given the right conditions. Considering the low cost and small support footprint of such systems, they could provide excellent support to Space Situational Awareness (SSA) missions or satellite tracking operations in general.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA485325

Entities

People

  • Matthew M. Schmunk

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cameras
  • Celestial Brightness
  • Earth Orbits
  • Geometry
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Jet Propulsion
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Navigation
  • Observatories
  • Photographs
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Space Debris
  • Space Objects
  • Space Situational Awareness
  • World Geodetic System

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

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