Dawn Orbit Determination Team: Trajectory Modeling and Reconstruction Processes at Vesta

Abrahamson, Matthew J.; Ardito, Alessandro; Han, Dongsuk; Haw, Robert; Kennedy, Brian; Mastrodemos, Nick; Nandi, Sumita; Park, Ryan; Rush, Brian; Vaughan, Andrew

NASA NTRS · 20150007226

Dawn Orbit Determination Team: Trajectory Modeling and Reconstruction Processes at Vesta

Abrahamson, Matthew J.·Ardito, Alessandro·Han, Dongsuk·Haw, Robert·Kennedy, Brian·Mastrodemos, Nick·Nandi, Sumita·Park, Ryan·Rush, Brian·Vaughan, Andrew

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Abstract

The Dawn spacecraft spent over a year in orbit around Vesta from July 2011 through August 2012. In order to maintain the designated science reference orbits and enable the transfers between those orbits, precise and timely orbit determination was required. Challenges included low-thrust ion propulsion modeling, estimation of relatively unknown Vesta gravity and rotation models, track-ing data limitations, incorporation of real-time telemetry into dynamics model updates, and rapid maneuver design cycles during transfers. This paper discusses the dynamics models, filter configuration, and data processing implemented to deliver a rapid orbit determination capability to the Dawn project.

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Abrahamson, Matthew J., Ardito, Alessandro, Han, Dongsuk, Haw, Robert, Kennedy, Brian, Mastrodemos, Nick, Nandi, Sumita, Park, Ryan, Rush, Brian, Vaughan, Andrew. 2013-02-10. Dawn Orbit Determination Team: Trajectory Modeling and Reconstruction Processes at Vesta. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20150007226

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