Correlated and Zonal Errors of Global Astrometric Missions: A Spherical Harmonic Solution

Abstract

We propose a computer-efficient and accurate method of estimating spatially correlated errors in astrometric positions, parallaxes, and proper motions obtained by space- and ground-based astrometry missions. In our method,the simulated observational equations are set up and solved for the coefficients of scalar and vector spherical harmonics representing the output errors rather than for individual objects in the output catalog. Both accidental and systematic correlated errors of astrometric parameters can be accurately estimated. The method is demonstrated on the example of the JMAPS mission, but can be used for other projects in space astrometry, such as SIM or JASMINE.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA564429

Entities

People

  • B. N. Dorland
  • Ciprian T. Berghea
  • G. S. Hennessy
  • H. R. Schmitt
  • R. A. Gaume
  • R. P. Dudik
  • V. V. Makarov

Organizations

  • United States Naval Observatory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Calibration
  • Coefficients
  • Computers
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Data Analysis
  • Equations
  • Grids
  • Mathematical Analysis
  • Measurement
  • Navigation
  • Observation
  • Satellite Orientation
  • Simulations
  • Space Missions
  • Spacecraft
  • Spherical Harmonics

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Approximation Theory.
  • Astronomy/Astrophysics

Technology Areas

  • Space