Abstract Angles-only navigation methods are compelling for distributed space systems (DSS) such as swarms and constellations. However, complex dependencies between state observability and system parameters present a challenging design problem. This paper proposes a unified angles-only observability analysis and design framework enabling designers of a DSS to 1) analytically determine whether its orbit state is observable, 2) numerically estimate its expected navigation performance, and 3) intelligently optimize the system to meet navigation requirements. First, a new system measurement topology representation is proposed for which analytic orbit observability can be assessed via a set of graphical conditions. Second, methods for numeric estimation of the achievable state covariance are augmented with auxiliary state variables, dynamics uncertainty, and measurement availability constraints. Third, a system cost function is developed and the topological and numeric methods are placed within a quasi-Newton optimization framework to enable automatic system design. The optimization is applied to a distributed science swarm and a space situational awareness constellation in lunar orbit. Both scenarios converge to a global cost minimum and output designs that achieve user requirements under realistic measurement conditions and constraints. Combined analytic and numeric methods therefore presents a powerful tool for design of angles-only DSS.
Observability analysis and optimization for angles-only navigation of distributed space systems
Advances in Space Research ; 73 , 11 ; 5464-5483
2023-08-29
20 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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