Autonomous orbit determination for satellite formations using relative sensing: Observability analysis and optimization

Orbit determination of spacecraft in orbit has been mostly dependent on either GNSS satellite signals or ground station telemetry. Both methods present their limitations, however: can only be used effectively earth orbit, and ground-based presents an inherent latency that increases with the Earth–spacecraft distance. For flying formations, alternative method determination, independent external signals, consists observation spacecraft’s position respect to central body through relative positioning history within formation. In this paper, potential is demonstrated context SunRISE mission, compared mission’s previously proposed methods. An optimization study then made find optimal placement a new formation so as maximize accuracy system. Finally, possibility removing part system’s bearing measurements while maintaining its observability also studied. The resulting system found observable, but ill-conditioned.