Title
High accuracy GNSS-based on-board orbit determination and prediction methods for tracking software in satellite laser communications
Author
Paliušis, Kipras (TU Delft Aerospace Engineering; TU Delft Astrodynamics & Space Missions)
Contributor
Guo, J. (mentor) 
Noomen, R. (graduation committee)
Verhagen, S. (graduation committee)
Khan, Bayajid (mentor)
Degree granting institution
Delft University of Technology
Programme
Aerospace Engineering
Date
2023-03-22
Abstract
Laser communication provides numerous benefits over typical Radio Frequency communication, such as lower power, not occupying regulated frequency bands, possibilities for much higher data rates and resistance to jamming. Combined with satellite constellations, Laser Inter-satellite Links (LISL) can enable global connectivity. However, satellites move at fast relative velocities, while optical beam divergence angles are in micro-radian levels. Thus, low-latency and precise position data between linking satellites is crucial. This thesis investigates the LISL conditions in a combined LEO/MEO constellation and the applicability of on-board GNSS-based Orbit Determination (OD) and Orbit Prediction (OP). Novel methods, such as Preprocessing Extended and Single-propagation Unscented Kalman Filters are tested and compared to typical GNSS-OD methods. Analyzing Pointing Uncertainty contributions in various link cases, results indicated that fully-kinematic methods could support LISL for 100-s periods, whereas reduced-dynamic OD-OP methods performed more consistently.
Subject
GNSS Positioning
Orbit Determination
Prediction
Laser Communication
Kalman Filtering
Astrodynamics
Constellation
Mission Analysis
Pointing
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:f7108214-6a88-42cd-a9c6-56d62e11b508
Embargo date
2025-03-22
Part of collection
Student theses
Document type
master thesis
Rights
© 2023 Kipras Paliušis