Orbit determination using distance measurements

Abstract

The paper provides methods for precise geostationary satellites orbit determinations using only distance (ranging) measurements. The results for orbit determination using both dual Ranging from two separate earth station locations and classical orbit determination from an earth station are introduced. A Matlab program is developed to perform orbit determination process. The developed program takes into account the dynamic model of the satellite orbit including orbit perturbations due to non_ spherical earth shape, the gravitational forces of the sun and moon, and the atmospheric drag. Acceptable results where foreseen in comparison to the flight proven software tool. The limitations of ranging measurements will be demonstrated, and the ways to minimize it will be shown. Also, spread spectrum orbit determination is provided, and an analysis on the selection of suitable pseudo-random code generator for implementation in spread spectrum orbit determination technique is given using Matlab simulink program.