Estimating Geometric Aspects of Relative Satellite Motion Using Angles-Only Measurements

Abstract

This paper investigates the observability of relative satellite dynamics when only relative angle measurements are available. It has been shown previously that, for non-maneuvering motion, the Cartesian states are unobservable with angles-only measurements and, furthermore, none of the Cartesian states can be determined from these measurements. In this paper it will be shown that if the relative state is characterized instead using a geometric parameter set known as relative orbit elements, many of these parameters can be calculated directly from the angle measurements. This method allows one to quickly get an idea of the geometry of a relative trajectory based only on angle measurements.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA598021

Entities

People

  • Jason D Schmidt
  • Thomas A. Lovell

Organizations

  • Utah State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aeronautics
  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Differential Equations
  • Earth Orbits
  • Equations
  • Guidance
  • Inertial Navigation
  • Line Of Sight
  • Measurement
  • Navigation
  • Orbits
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Relative Motion
  • Spacecraft
  • Trajectories

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris