Citation
Abstract
This paper shows the feasibility of using Very Long Baseline Interferometric data acquired by the Deep Space Network to navigate highly elliptical Earth orbiting satellites. The mission orbit of the Ion Release Module of the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers is used as a reference for developing strategies and provides the first opportunity for a possible flight demonstration with a spacecraft in a highly elliptical orbit. The navigation accuracy improvements achievable with VLBI and AVLBI data types are determined for comparison with the doppler capability. Preferred VLBI data acquisition strategies are developed to achieve optimum navigation performance and to minimize antenna support requirements. The sensitivity of the VLBI navigation accuracy to the baseline orientation relative to the orbit plane is examined, as are the effects of major error sources such as gravitational harmonics and atmospheric drag. The results showed that strategies using wideband AVLBI measurements taken near periapse performed best, determining lo apoapse position to an order of magnitude better than conventional doppler. A similar approach using narrowband AVLBI near periapse achieves results comparable to the doppler capability. Overall, VLBI measurements perform as well or better than strategies using conventional doppler, while substantially reducing the required antenna support.
Details
- Volume
- 42-75
- Published
- November 15, 1983
- Pages
- 1–13
- File Size
- 1.0 MB