Gim J. Der (Derastrodynamics)
Keywords: Astrodynamics
Abstract:
The extraction of range from optical sensor observation data has always been difficult, expensive and sometimes unreliable. This paper presents three new angles-only algorithms to help mitigate those problems. First, the correct range or root of the Gauss or Laplace eighth-degree polynomial equation is consistently deduced without guesswork for any object in any orbit regime. Second, the Keplerian solution is analytically extended to include perturbations for fast and accurate Initial Orbit Determination (IOD). Using simulated and real data, with or without angular measurement errors, ten numerical examples are presented for comparison. More than a hundred Geocentric and Heliocentric test cases have been independently confirmed by third parties. These analytic angles-only algorithms improve data collection efficiency, catalog maintenance, uncorrelated target cataloging, and ultimately contributing to real-time Space Situation Awareness.
Date of Conference: September 11-14, 2012
Track: Astrodynamics