Rapid Detection and Orbital Parameters’ Determination for Fast-Approaching Non-Cooperative Target to the Space Station Based on Fly-around Nano-Satellite

Abstract

Non-cooperative targets, such as space debris, defunct spacecrafts and LEO constellation satellites, have brought serious risks to the space station. The rapid detection and orbital parameters’ determination of the fast-approaching non-cooperative target can greatly improve the protection ability of the space station. In this paper, a novel rapid detection and orbital parameters’ determination method based on the collaborative observation of the space station, and a fly-around nano-satellite is developed. The early-warning region of the space station is established, and considering the observation constraints of the nano-satellite, the non-cooperative target detection strategy is provided, which includes a collaborative observation configuration as well as the attitude variation of the cameras, and the detection efficiency is analyzed. Then, the orbital parameters’ filtering model of the non-cooperative target based on the collaborative observation is constructed, and the Unscented Kalman filter method is utilized to determinate the orbital parameters of the non-cooperative target. Considered the observability of the initial collaborative observation configuration, this paper analyzes the observation configuration with low observability in different scenarios, and proposes an optimal orbital maneuver algorithm for the nano-satellite. This algorithm can realize a fuel-optimal orbital maneuver that satisfies the minimum line-of-sight angle constraint of the collaborative observation.

Keywords

• non-cooperative target
• space station
• nano-satellite
• collaborative observation
• orbital determination