Covariance Analysis of Astrometric Alignment Estimation Architectures for Precision Dual-Spacecraft Formation Flying

摘要

A paper highlights analysis of proposed navigation systems and architectures for achieving precise dual-spacecraft astrometric alignment. The dynamics of dual-spacecraft relative motion, within a restricted n-body problem framework, are shown to reduce to a simple linear form for use in estimation filter design and error analysis for a deep space mission application, such as MAS-SIM (Milli-Arc-Second Structure Imager). This model is augmented with simplified measurement process models of relevant measurement types.