Comparison of different methods to compute a preliminary orbit of Space Debris using radar observations
Abstract
We advertise a new method of preliminary orbit determination for space debris using radar observations, which we call Infang †. We can perform a linkage of two sets of four observations collected at close times. The context is characterized by the accuracy of the range ρ, whereas the right ascension α and the declination δ are much more inaccurate due to observational errors. This method can correct α, δ, assuming the exact knowledge of the range ρ. Considering no perturbations from the J 2 effect, but including errors in the observations, we can compare the new method, the classical method of Gibbs, and the more recent Keplerian integrals method. The development of Infang is still on-going and will be further improved and tested.
- Publication:
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Complex Planetary Systems, Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
- Pub Date:
- July 2014
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2014IAUS..310..154M
- Keywords:
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- celestial mechanics;
- preliminary orbit determination;
- space debris;
- radar observations;
- infinitesimal angles