On the orbit determination problem

Recent estimators which are claimed to be numerically more stable and efficient than the conventional Kalman filter are critically discussed, emphasizing their relevance to orbit determination methodology. System models, measurements, and estimation techniques involved in the orbit determination process (ODP) are examined, and various alternatives are reviewed to illuminate their advantages and drawbacks. The constituents of ODP, various parameter sets, and features of some orbit estimators are systematically tabulated. Representative application results which elucidate the stability, efficiency, and accuracy of the filtering algorithms are surveyed, and aspects related to on-board orbit determination are highlighted.