Performance Analysis of Orbit Determination from Sparse Space-Based Observations

Paper number

IAC-06-B6.P.1.06

Author

Dr. Han Lei, National University of Defense Technology, China

Coauthor

Mr. Chen Lei, National University of Defense Technology, China

Coauthor

Mr. Bozhao Zhou, National University of Defense Technology, China

Year

2006

Abstract

The spaced-based radar will not take the tracking mode within the limits of size, mass and complexity applied in near-earth orbit surveillance. Generally the observing time is no more than half a second when the sensor detects an object. In another word each pass will only obtain one set of range, range rate and angle data which is quite different from of the ground-based observations. Despite the short pass interval the measurement in new circle corresponds to the previous one if the orbital period of the radar is approximate to the object. And this paper explores the performance of preliminary orbit determination from these sparse correlative data.
Above all observations that correspond to the same object algorithm should be linked together using efficient algorithms. It will be first assumed that the objects follow two-body Keplerian orbits with no perturbations. Then the orbital attributes will help to solve the problem and the threshold should be carefully chosen at the same time. And the unidentifiable data are left to the next analysis. 
These linkages can then be used to determine the initial orbits. There are several methods to yield the Keplerian elements of the orbit with sparse data and the radar states. Considering the effect of perturbations the analytical equations are incorporated as a minor modification. And the new parameter should be determined if necessary. Then the orbital elements can be revised by iteration. Now the data illegibility can be eliminated by the matching of the orbital elements.
Furthermore a trade-off about the estimation method, dynamical model and data precision is analyzed for orbit determination. 

Abstract document

IAC-06-B6.P.1.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-B6.P.1.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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