Satellite Orbit Determination using the Particle Filter

  • Kim, Young-Rok (Astrodynamics & Control Lab, Department of Astronomy, Yonsei University) ;
  • Park, Sang-Young (Astrodynamics & Control Lab, Department of Astronomy, Yonsei University)
  • Published : 2011.04.15

Abstract

Various estimation methods based on Kalman filter have been applied to the real-time satellite orbit determination. The most popular method is the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) and the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF). The EKF is easy to implement and to use on orbit determination problem. However, the linearization process of the EKF can cause unstable solutions if the problem has the inaccurate reference orbit, sparse or insufficient observations. In this case, the UKF can be a good alternative because it does not contain linearization process. However, because both methods are based on Gaussian assumption, performance of estimation can become worse when the distribution of state parameters and process/measurement noise are non-Gaussian. In nonlinear/non-Gaussian problems the particle filter which is based on sequential Monte Carlo methods can guarantee more exact estimation results. This study develops and tests the particle filter for satellite orbit determination. The particle filter can be more effective methods for satellite orbit determination in nonlinear/non-Gaussian environment.

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