Suboptimal filtering. Part 4 - Test-bed computer program Final report
Computer program plan for simulating real time observation schedules and combined effects of dynamic model errors in three-dimensional satellite motion
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Computer program plan for simulating real time observation schedules and combined effects of dynamic model errors in three-dimensional satellite motion
Modeling errors in linear discrete stochastic system effects on Kalman filter state estimates
NASA Stadan and Speopt optical and laser tracking sites dynamic position estimations from GEOS 1 and 2 observations, analyzing model error effects
A parametric study performed for 48 trans-Mars reference missions in support of the Viking program is reported. The launch dates cover several months in the year 1979, and each launch date has multiple arrival dates in 1980. A plot of launch versus arrival dates with case numbers designated for reference purposes is included. The analysis consists of the computation of statistical covariance matrices based on certain assumptions about the ground-based tracking systems. The error model statistics are listed in tables. Tracking systems were assumed at three sites: Goldstone, California; Canberra, Australia; and Madrid, Spain. The tracking data consisted of range and Doppler measurements taken during the tracking intervals starting at E-30(d) and ending at E-10(d) for the control data and ending at E-18(h) for the knowledge data. The control and knowledge covariance matrices were delivered to the Planetary Mission Analysis Branch for inputs into a delta V dispersion analysis.
The network analysis program (NAP-2), which has the capability of simultaneously solving for orbits and tracking station error model terms, was, after several modifications, used in the calibration of minitrack stations using minitrack satellite measurements (self-calibration). Several support programs were written to aid in this task. A simultaneous four-arc solution was obtained. A comparison with optically determined arcs for the same time spans showed rms position differences of 67m, 86m, 124m and 168m for the 4 arcs considered. An apparatus incorporating a diffraction grating was designed and successfully used to measure the drift rate of the Fort Myers MOTS camera drive.
Mariner 9 data analysis showed a good performance of the Mars probe planetary approach navigation systems and a good agreement between measured and predicted probe-approach characteristics. It was found that all operations were completed on time and that the calibration of the instruments and the observation of a greater-than-planned number of stars resulted in a higher-than-expected measurement accuracy. The key instruments of the Mariner were TV cameras taking pictures of Phobos and Deimos against a background of stars, calibrated sun and star sensors, and a scan platform. The error models used for optical navigation system elements, the calibration of the scan platform and of the TV cameras, and the image detection and location techniques are discussed in detail.
An adaptive filter which uses a minimum variance criteria to estimate state noise covariance is presented. It is not necessary to assume white state noise in order to implement the filter. Simulation results are given which demonstrate that the filter tracks a satellite in the presence of modeling errors better than a conventional minimum variance filter with state noise. It is also shown that the propagated convariance matrix of the filter is an accurate indicator of the filter's performance.
A sequential estimator is presented and demonstrated which successfully tracks the system state and model errors in the presence of significant and unpredictable system or environmental variations. This adaptive estimation concept is shown to lead to a new and attractive approach to parameter identification problems. Simulation results are presented in an orbit determination problem and in a reentry trajectory estimation problem.
The background of the NASA-DOD manual navigation experiment (T002) on Skylab A is reviewed with emphasis on NASA's development of an error model for sextant measurements in midcourse navigation and on USAF's development of a low earth orbit manual navigation scheme. Instruments briefly described are a space sextant and space stadimeter, both of which are used by USAF in orbit navigation, the sextant by NASA in midcourse sightings. The rationale, data requirements, and data reduction procedures are discussed in terms of the goals of the agencies.
A description of the Skylab altimeter instrument system along with the appropriate system error model is presented. The data processing flow, orbit computation, and topographic recovery techniques are discussed. Some data analysis results are presented which indicate excellent correlation with underwater topographic features. In addition, results are shown which indicate that the instrument performance was as expected.
The methods used to in-flight calibrate the pointing direction of the Mariner Venus-Mercury 1973 spacecraft high gain antenna and the achieved antenna pointing accuracy are described. The overall pointing calibration was accomplished by performing calibration sequences at a number of points along the spacecraft trajectory. Each of these consisted of articulating the antenna about the expected spacecraft-earth vector to determine systematic pointing errors. The high gain antenna pointing system, the error model used in the calibration, and the calibration and pointing strategy and results are discussed.
The LACIE Performance Predictor (LPP) is a computer simulation of the LACIE process for predicting worldwide wheat production. The simulation provides for the introduction of various errors into the system and provides estimates based on these errors, thus allowing the user to determine the impact of selected error sources. The FOC LPP simulates the acquisition of the sample segment data by the LANDSAT Satellite (DAPTS), the classification of the agricultural area within the sample segment (CAMS), the estimation of the wheat yield (YES), and the production estimation and aggregation (CAS). These elements include data acquisition characteristics, environmental conditions, classification algorithms, the LACIE aggregation and data adjustment procedures. The operational structure for simulating these elements consists of the following key programs: (1) LACIE Utility Maintenance Process, (2) System Error Executive, (3) Ephemeris Generator, (4) Access Generator, (5) Acquisition Selector, (6) LACIE Error Model (LEM), and (7) Post Processor.
If two spacecraft lying along similar geocentric lines-of-sight are simultaneously tracked by two nearby ground stations (dual spacecraft two-station tracking), navigational capabilities may be substantially improved. A thorough accuracy analysis study of dual spacecraft tracking using simulated tracking data based on the trajectories of Viking and Mariner Jupiter-Saturn '77(MJS '77) missions has been carried out. Results of the study reveal the following advantages: (1) cancellation of platform parameter and transmission media modelling errors in short arc solutions, (2) accurate encounter guidance for the trailing spacecraft, (3) reduction of total tracking time requirements, and (4) rapid determination of the orbit following a maneuver on either spacecraft. It is shown that dual spacecraft data types can improve navigational capabilities by a factor of 5 to 10, under the conditions of small angular separation (not exceeding 3 degrees) of the two spacecraft and well determined trajectory of the reference spacecraft. The research to carry out and the data to obtain before the new technique can be used in interplanetary navigation are pointed out.
Results of the generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) technique for the detection of failures in aircraft application are presented, and its relationship to the properties of the Kalman-Bucy filter is examined. Under the assumption that the system is perfectly modeled, the detectability and distinguishability of four failure types are investigated by means of analysis and simulations. Detection of failures is found satisfactory, but problems in identifying correctly the mode of a failure may arise. These issues are closely examined as well as the sensitivity of GLR to modeling errors. The advantages and disadvantages of this technique are discussed, and various modifications are suggested to reduce its limitations in performance and computational complexity.
Analysis techniques used in the automated telemetry station (ATS) for on line data reduction are encompassed in a broad range of software programs. Concepts that form the basis for the algorithms used are mathematically described. The control the user has in interfacing with various on line programs is discussed. The various programs are applied to an analysis of flight data which includes unimodal and bimodal response signals excited via a swept frequency shaker and/or random aerodynamic forces. A nonlinear response error modeling analysis approach is described. Preliminary results in the analysis of a hard spring nonlinear resonant system are also included.
When two interplanetary spacecraft lie along similar geocentric lines-of-sight, navigational advantages may be achieved by navigating one spacecraft with respect to the other. Opportunities to employ this technique will become more common as more multiprobe missions are launched. The two Viking spacecraft and the two Mariner Jupiter/Saturn '77 spacecraft will be within two and three degrees of each other, respectively, for a large portion of their missions. Results of simulated analysis as well as the processing of real tracking data from the two Viking spacecraft reveal the following advantages of the dual spacecraft navigation technique: (1) cancellation of platform parameter and transmission media modeling errors in short arc solutions, (2) accurate encounter guidance for the trailing spacecraft, (3) reduction of total tracking requirements, and (4) rapid determination of the orbit following a maneuver on either spacecraft.
An error analysis was conducted to examine the effects of placing the target satellite in an orbit nearly coplanar with the relay satellite and of data span length on the accuracy with which the satellite states can be recovered. An analysis of error models using actual satellite to satellite tracking data spans is included. Results are tabulated.
Established procedures of linear, quadratic, Gaussian optimal estimation and control are developed and interpreted for their application to the problem of attitude control of spacecraft with dynamically significant elastic appendages. Results are presented both in general terms and for specific application to a solar electric spacecraft. Comparisons are made between alternative coordinate systems, and a realistic range of design parameters is considered. For single axis control, system evaluation is accomplished by simulation of a fifteenth-order spacecraft plant with alternative second-order, fourth-order, and sixth-order constant gain estimators. Results point out the importance of modeling errors.