Spacecraft Proximity Operations Used to Estimate the Dynamical and Physical Properties of a Resident Space Object

<p>When conducting a space proximity operation developing high-fidelity estimates of the dynamical and physical properties of a Resident Space Object (RSO)based on post-rendezvous observational data acquired is imperative for the understanding of the RSO itself and the operating environment. This research investigatesthe estimation of relative motion dynamics rotational dynamics and the feasibilityof estimating the moments of inertia of a RSO. Using the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire equations rigid-body dynamics and estimation theory a nonlinear least squaresestimation algorithm is implemented in the processing of range data from tracked observation points on the RSO body. Through simulation it was determined that accurately estimating the relative motion and rotational dynamics is possible. However directly estimating the moments of inertia using range data proved to be problematicand exposed a possible observability limitation. Yet in general the solutions were heavily dependent on the quality of the a priori knowledge as well as the reduction of solution ambiguity through the use of multiple observational data sets.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>