Date of Award
3-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering
Department
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
First Advisor
Robert A. Bettinger, PhD
Abstract
This work explores relevant scenarios to implement a Frequency on Arrival method using nonlinear least squares to determine a transmitting satellite’s orbit based only on measurements of the received radio frequency. Multiple relevant collection geometries, such as a target in prograde low earth orbit, in retrograde low earth orbit, in sun synchronous orbit, in near-perigee highly elliptical orbit, in near-apogee highly elliptical orbit, and in geosynchronous orbit, are simulated to collect theoretical received frequency data. Once data collection has been simulated, the theoretical apparent frequencies recorded are used in a nonlinear least squares method with differential correction to find a precise orbit determination to determine the feasibility of using this frequency-based orbit determination method in any practical scenarios. The results of this work show that with an accurate enough initial guess, a single receiver is sufficient for orbit determination. It is apparent that an improvement to the performance of the orbit determination method is noticeable when two or more receivers are used. Additional findings suggest that the geometry of the collection platform diversity does not have as large of an effect on a rapidly moving target as it does on slower moving targets out in geosynchronous orbit or near the apogee of a highly elliptical orbit.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-ENY-MS-24-M-210
Recommended Citation
Vorst, Ryan M., "A Nonlinear Least Squarees Approach to Orbit Determination in Near-Earth Orbits" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 7898.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/7898
SF298 for AFIT-ENY-MS-24-M-210 - Vorst, R.
Comments
A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.
Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.
Related organization for this Masters thesis:
Center for Space Research and Assurance (CSRA) at AFIT