Timothy Payne, Space Operations Command DCG-T/S9I; Felix Hoots, The Aerospace Corporation; Albert Butkus, RIM Technologies; Zachary Slatton, Space Operations Command DCG-T/S9I; Dinh Nguyen, Parsons Corporation
Keywords: Astrodynamics, SGP4, SGP4-XP, SDA, SSA
Abstract:
Improvements to the SGP4 propagator (SGP4-XP)
Timothy Payne
Space Operations Command DCG-T/S9I
Felix Hoots
Aerospace Corporation
Albert Butkus
RIM Technologies
Zachary Slatton
Space Operations Command DCG-T/S9I
Dinh Nguyen
Parsons Corporation
ABSTRACT
To help improve the Deep Space sensor association process performance additional and improved perturbations modeling have been implemented in the Simplified General Perturbations 4 (SGP4) model. This new model is called SGP4-XP (eXtended Perturbations) and includes more precise modeling of effects of gravity from the moon and sun, more generalized approach for modeling of earth gravity resonance effects, addition of modeling solar radiation pressure effects to help address High Area to Mass Ratio (HAMR) satellites and a new branch of code for dealing with earth bound orbits that reach into cis-lunar altitudes. SGP4-XP also includes extended perturbations geared toward near earth satellite orbits including more complete gravity modeling and improved atmospheric modeling. Both SGP4 and SGP4-XP models will be operationally supported. The new SGP4-XP model has been developed with ease of transition in mind. This paper discusses the discovery of the limitations of the current SGP4 and resulting modeling enhancements, prediction improvements, compatibility issues and implementation considerations of SGP4-XP.
Date of Conference: September 27-20, 2022
Track: Astrodynamics