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Initial Orbit Determination Using Angle Measurements

Comparing IOD methods on very short arc observations of GEO objects from the MeerLICHT telescope

Master thesis (2021)

Authors

B.H.L. van den Abbeele Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

EJO Schrama Astrodynamics & Space Missions (graduation committee member)
T.P.G. Wijnen Astrodynamics & Space Missions (mentor)
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
Copyright: © 2021 Bert van den Abbeele
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Published Date

16-07-2021

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

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.

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