An algorithm for reducing atmospheric density model errors using satellite observation data in real-time

Atmospheric density mismodeling is a large source of errors in satellite orbit determination and prediction in the 200-600 kilometer range. Algorithms for correcting or "calibrating" an existing atmospheric density model to improve accuracy have been seen as a major way to reduce these errors. This thesis examines one particular algorithm, which does not require launching special "calibration satellites" or new sensor platforms. It relies solely on the large quantity of observations of existing satellites, which are already being made for space catalog maintenance. By processing these satellite observations in near real-time, a linear correction factor can be determined and forecasted into the near future. As a side benefit, improved estimates of the ballistic coefficients of some satellites are also produced. Also, statistics concerning the accuracy of the underlying density model can also be extracted from the correction. This algorithm had previously been implemented and the implementation had been partially validated using simulated data. This thesis describes the completion of the validation process using simulated data and the beginning of the real data validation process. It is also intended to serve as a manual for using and modifying the implementation of the algorithm.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2002

Author dc:creator

• Bergstrom, Sarah Elizabeth, 1979-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Paul J. Cefola and Ron J. Proulx.

• Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/17537

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/17537