Date of Award

3-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Joshua Hess, PhD

Abstract

This research focuses on radio frequency geolocation of space objects utilizing space-based platforms. Geolocation has long been the solution for locating objects. In particular, this study examines the scenario of two cooperative receivers geolocating a transmitter in close proximity. An algorithm is developed to calculate the initial estimated transmitter location and projected orbital trajectory. The algorithm uses the Macaulay method of solving a system of polynomials as well as heuristic optimization techniques to locate a transmitter with respect to receivers at different time intervals. For the scenarios investigated, both Macaulay and heuristic optimization methods achieve initial relative orbit determination.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENY-MS-20-M-286

DTIC Accession Number

AD1101739

Included in

Astrodynamics Commons

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