Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Astrodynamics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Artificial satellites--Tracking

Publication Year

Articles 1 - 4 of 4

Full-Text Articles in Astrodynamics

Modeling Gps Satellite Orbits Using Kam Tori, Rachel M. Derbis Mar 2008

Modeling Gps Satellite Orbits Using Kam Tori, Rachel M. Derbis

Theses and Dissertations

Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite orbits are modeled using Kolmogorov, Arnold, Moser (KAM) tori. Precise Global Positioning System satellite locations are analyzed using Fourier transforms to identify the three basis frequencies in an Earth Centered, Earth Fixed (ECEF) rotating reference frame. The three fundamental frequencies are 1) the anomalistic frequency, 2) a combination of earth’s rotational frequency and the nodal regression rate, and 3) the apsidial regression rate. A KAM tori model fit to the satellite data could be used to predict future satellite locations. This model would allow rapid determination with fewer computational requirements than the typical method of …


Orbit Estimation Algorithms For A Microsatellite Rendezvous With A Non-Cooperative Target, John P. Heslin Mar 2005

Orbit Estimation Algorithms For A Microsatellite Rendezvous With A Non-Cooperative Target, John P. Heslin

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the minimum requirements to establish a satellite tracking system architecture for a microsatellite to rendezvous with a non-cooperative target satellite. A prototype optical tracking system was reviewed with emphasis on a proposed tactical employment that could be used by technologically unsophisticated state or non-state adversaries. With the tracking system architecture selected, simulated tracking data was processed with a Non-Linear Least Squares batch orbit estimation algorithm and a Bayes sequential orbit determination filter to update the target satellite's state vector.


Orbit Determination For A Microsatellite Rendezvous With A Non-Cooperative Target, Brian L. Foster Mar 2003

Orbit Determination For A Microsatellite Rendezvous With A Non-Cooperative Target, Brian L. Foster

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the minimum requirements to establish a satellite tracking system architecture for a hostile "parasitic microsatellite" to rendezvous with a larger, non-cooperative target satellite. Four types of tracking systems and their capabilities were reviewed with emphasis on "low-technology" level and/or mobile systems which could be used by technologically unsophisticated state or non-state adversaries. With the tracking system architecture selected, simulated tracking data was processed with a non- linear least squares orbit determination filter to determine and/or update the target satellite's state vector.


Compression Of A Radar Track Of A Near Earth Satellite Into An Earth Centered Inertial State Vector Using Least Squares Differential Correction, Garry L. Hall Mar 1994

Compression Of A Radar Track Of A Near Earth Satellite Into An Earth Centered Inertial State Vector Using Least Squares Differential Correction, Garry L. Hall

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the use of a least squares differential corrector to compress the information contained in a single radar track of a Near Earth satellite into a six element, Earth Centered Inertial state vector and associated covariance matrix. Observations were generated using a truth model program based on two body, J2 geopotential, and atmospheric drag dynamics and consisted of simulated range, azimuth and elevation. Random Gaussian noise was added to the data to simulate real world random errors. The orbital dynamics used in the estimator consisted of two body and J2 geopotential effects which were approximated using a Taylor …