Initial relative orbit determination analytical covariance and performance analysis for proximity operations

Baichun Gong, David K. Geller, Jianjun Luo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

This research furthers the development of a closed-form solution to the angles-only initial relative orbit determination problem for close-in proximity operations when the camera offset from the vehicle center of mass allows for range observability. Emphasis is placed on developing closed-form error covariance equations for the initial relative orbit state solution and verification of the analytic covariance equations through systematic nonlinear Monte Carlo simulation of typical rendezvous missions. Closed-form analytic estimates of the relative state error covariance based on angle measurement errors, attitude knowledge errors, and camera center-of-mass offset uncertainties for three or more observations are obtained. A two-body Monte Carlo simulation system is used to evaluate the performance of the closed-form relative state estimation algorithms and associated closed-form covariance equations. The sensitivity of the solution accuracy to spacecraft trajectories, camera offset, camera accuracy, attitude knowledge, and the time interval between measurements is presented and discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)822-835
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Spacecraft and Rockets
Volume53
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Initial relative orbit determination analytical covariance and performance analysis for proximity operations'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this