Initial Orbit Determination Using Angle Measurements
Comparing IOD methods on very short arc observations of GEO objects from the MeerLICHT telescope
B.H.L. van den Abbeele (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
E.J.O. Schrama – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
T.P.G. Wijnen – Mentor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
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Abstract
An array of BlackGEM telescopes is currently being constructed in Chile. The Royal Netherlands Air Force wants to assess the suitability of the BlackGEM telescopes for initial orbit determination of unknown objects in high orbits around Earth. A set of short arc observations of geostationary satellites of no more than 5 minutes is available from a prototype of the BlackGEM telescope called MeerLICHT, which is located in South Africa. Using the classical initial orbit determination methods of Gauss and Gooding and a newly developed circular orbit method, orbit estimates are calculated based on the short arcs. In addition, two methods to reduce measurement error that are specific to the observation system are developed and tested. As a final outcome, recommendations for observation strategies and orbit determination methods are formulated to optimise BlackGEM telescopes for satellite orbit determination.