Enhanced and novel space vehicle orbit dynamics for track custody
Abstract
This project aims to develop the capability to establish and maintain unique space object identification of satellites operating in or near geostationary orbit. This leads naturally to the concept of track custody - absolute track custody implies eliminating the possibility of mistaken identification and always knowing where the space object is and will be over operationally relevant time scales.The secondary aim is to understand better, and hence shape policy for, the behaviour of decommissioned SVs placed in graveyard orbits at Super-GEO (and therein reduce risk for operations at GEO).The dynamics induced by the natural environment are the principal means by which satellite trajectories are shaped. Initial analysis at UCL has shown that GEO satellites have high area-to-mass ratios (which implies they are sensitive to surface forces), but that surface force modelling for such satellites is quite immature. If detailed force models are known then maintaining track custody of one’s own assets is enhanced significantly (put simply the improved dynamics aid in both orbit determination – therein to compute initial conditions – and in orbit prediction – therein to predict where your own assets should move over time). If the dynamics are not known to a sufficient level of detail it is difficult to separate out deliberate (and sometimes covert) thruster activity from motion caused by natural forces in the satellites of an adversary. Hence, significant improvements in modelling SV dynamics at GEO will lead to better understanding of behaviours of both friendly and hostile satellites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 30, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810027
Entities
People
- Marek Ziebart
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University College London