基于TLE的弹道系数计算方法及应用分析

针对仅使用两行要素(Two Line Element,TLE)作为数据源的应用需求,研究了基于TLE轨道衰减的弹道系数计算方法。介绍了一种常用的基于两组TLE的直接计算法,分析TLE选取间隔对结果精度的影响;提出了一种基于多组TLE的迭代计算方法,以降低异常TLE对计算结果的影响;从弹道系数计算效果、在再入预报中的应用等方面对这两种方法进行比较分析。结果表明,两种方法各有优劣,基于多组TLE的迭代计算法稳定性更高、受TLE精度的影响更小;由于数据区间更短,基于两组TLE的计算结果对短期轨道衰减特性反应得更准确,用于临近再入时的预报效果更好。     

利用TLE数据分析LEO卫星轨道异常的新方法------综合判据法

及时准确地发现在轨卫星的轨道异常意义重大. 通过有效的异常算法, 能够找出发生轨道异常的碎片或航天器, 为空间碎片碰撞预警系统分析和验证碰撞事件提供数据支持. 通过对利用TLE (Two Line Elements)数据分析LEO在轨卫星轨道异常的方法研究, 提出了一个利用单个卫星相邻根数时间差控制加综合判据的判别方法. 分析表明, 相对于取单一因素阈值的判别方法, 综合判据法能够最大限度地减少漏判, 并且保持相对较高的判断准确率.     

基于空间隔离的低轨卫星系统频谱共享方法

随着业务需求的全球性增长,传统低频波段有限的频谱资源已不能满足低轨（LEO）卫星的业务承载要求,采用Ka频段的LEO星座系统设计成为了主流。然而,采用Ka频段的LEO星座系统不可避免地会对同频段已经存在的静止轨道（GEO）卫星系统产生干扰。首先,通过基于空间隔离的干扰规避方法,采用对LEO与GEO的频谱共用系统设置隔离角来进行上下行场景的干扰消除,使该LEO系统能满足国际电信联盟（ITU）对同频段内通信干扰的约束条件;然后,通过引入GEO带的概念,分析并研究了干扰规避区域的确定方法和其对LEO星座密度的影响。最后,通过仿真得出了干扰隔离角、GEO带与LEO星座密度的关系,得到了在采用隔离角的方式进行干扰避让时满足LEO星座系统业务不中断所需要的最小卫星数量,对LEO星座设计具有一定的指导意义。      

利用卫星两行轨道根数反演热层密度

两行轨道根数（TLEs）是基于一般摄动理论产生的用于预报地球轨道飞行器位置和速度的一组轨道参数,通过求解大气阻力微分方程,可反演出热层大气密度. 本文选取近圆轨道CHAMP卫星和椭圆轨道Explorer8卫星,以两行轨道根数数据为基础,计算反弹道系数,并根据不同轨道特征采用两种不同反演方法对热层大气密度进行研究. 结果表明,这两种方法反演得到的大气密度与实测值均符合较好,其中CHAMP卫星的反演结果和经验模式值相对于实测值的误差分别为7.94%和13.94%,Explorer8卫星的误差分别为9.04%和14.32%. 相比模式值,利用两行轨道根数数据反演的热层大气密度更接近于实测值,说明该方法可以作为获取大量可靠大气密度数据的一种有效途径.     

大气阻力参数修正对低轨空间目标轨道预报精度的改进

对于低轨空间目标, 大气阻力是影响轨道预报精度的主要摄动力. 本文提出了一种 基于空间环境数据和神经网络模型的空间目标大气阻力参数修正方法, 基于目 标的历史两行元根数, 通过模拟得到外推一天轨道预报中预报结果与观测数据 符合最好的阻力调制系数, 分析表明其与太阳F_10.7指数和地磁Ap指数具有很好的相关性. 根据已有数据, 构建神经网络模型, 实现对阻力调制系数 的补偿计算, 从而改进低轨目标外推一天的轨道预报. 结果表明, 神经网络模 型相比两行元根数能够更及时地对空间环境变化进行响应. 将该方案应用于天 宫一号和国际空间站的外推一天轨道预报, 验证了方案的正确性和普适性, 对 地磁扰动引起的较大预报误差改进效果更好, 误差能够降低50%~60%; 平均而言, 预报精度可以提高约30%, 改进成功率达到80%左右.     

地基Fabry-Perot中高层大气风速反演及误差分析

基于子午工程地基法布里-帕罗干涉仪（Fabry-Perot Interferometer,FPI）的气辉观测数据,结合地基独特的观测模式（天顶角为0° 的天顶方向和天顶角为45°的东西北南四个方向）对地基中高层大气风速进行反演,包括数据预处理、干涉环圆心确定、干涉环半径计算和风速反演. 将2010年5月6-13日8天十个环（十个干涉环同时参与反演）的反演结果与地基FPI风速实测数据进行比较,得到557.7nm,630.0nm,892.0nm三种谱线气辉的反演平均偏差分别为2.7m·s^-1,5.5m·s^-1,7.7m·s^-1. 此外,基于反演算法对上述反演精度影响因素进行了分析. 研究发现,气辉辐射强度对风速的反演精度影响较大,气辉辐射越强,外环的半径计算精度越高,可参与的反演环数越多,则最终的风速反演精度越高. 而圆心偏差± 2pixel（五个环）和± 1pixel（十个环）及焦距变化（±10mm）对风速反演精度的影响相对较小,但当超出这一偏差范围,风速反演偏差会迅速增大.     

基于TLE的Starlink星座第一阶段部署情况分析

近年来,随着卫星技术的快速发展和低轨（low earth orbit,LEO）卫星宽带互联网建设需求的不断增加,低轨大规模星座发展日新月异。针对Starlink星座初始化部署问题,首先论述了“星链”（Starlink）星座现状,分析在轨卫星高度变化。然后利用公开的两行轨道根数（two-line element,TLE）,从卫星发射入轨、轨道面分布两个方面,简要分析了Starlink星座的部署情况,给出升交点的变化规律;同时仿真分析了Starlink星座对地面的覆盖性能。最后,给出星座轨道面和相位分布、故障卫星处置以及可见卫星数量。所分析的结果以期为中国未来部署大规模LEO星座的建设提供借鉴。     

Improving the low orbit satellite tracking ability using nonlinear model predictive controller and Genetic Algorithm

The satellite motion on the reference orbit (RO) with less energy consumption has always persuaded researchers to design optimal control systems. The nonlinear nature and time-varying equations of motion make this quest more challenging. The present study proposes a novel control system for satellite motion on the RO by considering a comprehensive model of its dynamics in orbit and a Nonlinear Model Predictive Controller (NMPC). The NMPC calculates the sub-optimal control inputs of satellite motion reference on the elliptic orbit by minimizing a convex cost function at each stage. Moreover, all weighting parameters of the cost function are optimized by the Genetic Algorithm (GA) to produce less perturbation and guarantee the best NMPC performance. Finally, the implemented NMPC has been compared to a Linear MPC (LMPC). The results show that not only can the NMPC resist against larger errors and perturbations, but it can also compensate for those errors by returning the satellite to its main orbit and maintaining it.     

NeQuick G model based scale factor determination for using SBAS ionosphere corrections at low earth orbit

A space-based augmentation system (SBAS) provides real-time correction data for global navigation satellite system (GNSS) users near ground. In order to use the SBAS ionosphere correction for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, the correction should be scaled down for the LEO altitude. This scale factor varies with ionosphere distribution and it is hard to determine the value at LEO in real time. We propose a real-time scale factor determination method by using Galileo GNSS’s NeQuick G model. A LEO satellite GPS data and SBAS data received on ground were used to evaluate the performance of the NeQuick G derived variable scale factor. The NeQuick G derived scale factor shows a significant accuracy improvement over NeQuick G model or pre-determined constant scale factor. It improves a vertical positioning accuracy of the LEO satellite. The error mean reductions of the vertical positioning over NeQuick G and the constant scale factor are 31.5% and 11.7%, respectively.     

Very low thrust station-keeping for low Earth orbiting satellites

Traditional station-keeping for Earth observation satellites with chemical thrusters generally involves maneuvers every couple months that are able to change significantly the semi-major axis and the inclination. These strategies do not scale down to very low thrust level (a few hundreds of μN) electrical thrusters. This paper presents both in-plane and out-of-plane strategies that spread corrections over very long arcs and discretize them to tiny maneuvers every couple orbits, taking into account mission-constraints on maneuvers locations. These strategies scale up to medium thrust strategies, filling the gap between propulsion technologies. The out-of-plane strategy although features a new no-deadband property and controls the full orbital momentum. All strategies allow control very close to the reference (a few hundreds meters in osculating parameters) and very low cost.     

Analysis of the orbit lifetime of CubeSats in low Earth orbits including periodic variation in drag due to attitude motion

It is estimated that more than 22,300 human-made objects are in orbit around the Earth, with a total mass above 8,400,000 kg. Around 89% of these objects are non-operational and without control, which makes them to be considered orbital debris. These numbers consider only objects with dimensions larger than 10 cm. Besides those numbers, there are also about 2000 operational satellites in orbit nowadays. The space debris represents a hazard to operational satellites and to the space operations. A major concern is that this number is growing, due to new launches and particles generated by collisions. Another important point is that the development of CubeSats has increased exponentially in the last years, increasing the number of objects in space, mainly in the Low Earth Orbits (LEO). Due to the short operational time, CubeSats boost the debris population. One of the requirements for space debris mitigation in LEO is the limitation of the orbital lifetime of the satellites, which needs to be lower than 25 years. However, there are space debris with longer estimated decay time. In LEÓs, the influence of the atmospheric drag is the main orbital perturbation, and is used in maneuvers to increment the losses in the satellite orbital energy, to locate satellites in constellations and to accelerate the decay.The goal of the present research is to study the influence of aerodynamic rotational maneuver in the CubeSat?s orbital lifetime. The rotational axis is orthogonal to the orbital plane of the CubeSat, which generates variations in the ballistic coefficient along the trajectory. The maneuver is proposed to accelerate the decay and to mitigate orbital debris generated by non-operational CubeSats. The panel method is selected to determine the drag coefficient as a function of the flow incident angle and the spinning rate. The pressure distribution is integrated from the satellite faces at hypersonic rarefied flow to calculate the drag coefficient. The mathematical model considers the gravitational potential of the Earth and the deceleration due to drag. To analyze the effects of the rotation during the decay, multiple trajectories were propagated, comparing the results obtained assuming a constant drag coefficient with trajectories where the drag coefficient changes periodically. The initial perigees selected were lower than 400 km of altitude with eccentricities ranging from 0.00 to 0.02. Six values for the angular velocity were applied in the maneuver. The technique of rotating the spacecraft is an interesting solution to increase the orbit decay of a CubeSat without implementing additional de-orbit devices. Significant changes in the decay time are presented due to the increase of the mean drag coefficient calculated by the panel method, when the maneuver is applied, reducing the orbital lifetime, however the results are independent of the angular velocity of the satellite.     

Comparative analysis of global optical observability of satellites in LEO

With a growing number of resident space objects (RSOs), the facilities for near-Earth space surveillance have to cope with increasing workload. It also applies to low-cost small optical surveillance facilities which may present regional, national and global networks. Improved methods of planning and scheduling optical telescopes are required to use these instruments efficiently. Today, optical observations are only feasible if the following quite stringent requirements are met: the object should be illuminated by sunlight, and it should be above while the Sun is below the observer’s horizon. For different orbits, these preconditions result in varying degrees of the space object observability at various ground-based sites. Certainly, satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) are particularly difficult to observe. This study aims at developing a new technique for assessing observability of a satellite in different types of orbits – namely, low, medium and high Earth orbits, imaging of the opportunity for its visibility in respective diagrams and their analysing for the existing near-Earth population of RSOs. Unlike other researches, wherein one or several observational stations have been chosen as target sites for in-depth analyses of visibility of all the satellites or just the selected ones, the present study focuses on examining the probability of optical surveillance of satellites in a certain orbit from any locations worldwide. It offers considerable scope for automation of surveillance planning and scheduling optical surveillance networks.     

Impact of covariance information of kinematic positions on orbit reconstruction and gravity field recovery

Gravity missions are equipped with onboard Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for precise orbit determination (POD) and for the extraction of the long wavelength part of the Earth’s gravity field. As positions of low Earth orbiters (LEOs) may be determined from GPS measurements at each observation epoch by geometric means only, it is attractive to derive such kinematic positions in a first step and to use them in a second step as pseudo-observations for gravity field determination. The drawback of not directly using the original GPS measurements is, however, that kinematic positions are correlated due to the ambiguities in the GPS carrier phase observations, which in principle requires covariance information be taken into account. We use GRACE data to show that dynamic or reduced-dynamic orbit parameters are not optimally reconstructed from kinematic positions when only taking epoch-wise covariance information into account, but that essentially the same orbit quality can be achieved as when directly using the GPS measurements, if correlations in time are taken into account over sufficiently long intervals. For orbit reconstruction covariances have to be considered up to one revolution period to avoid ambiguity-induced variations of kinematic positions being erroneously interpreted as orbital variations. For gravity field recovery the advantage is, however, not very pronounced.     

Feasibility study of LEO,GEO and Molniya orbit based satellite solar power station for some identified sites in India

The analysis of satellite solar power station (SSPS) is carried out for some specified locations (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru) in India and consequently the performance of the system is evaluated for geostationary earth orbit (GEO) based SSPS, low earth orbit (LEO) based SSPS and Molniya (quasi geostationary) orbit based SSPS for sites located at different latitudes. The analysis of power; received energy over a year and weight of the rectenna array for the same beam intensity showed varied results for Molniya orbit based SSPS, LEO based SSPS and GEO based SSPS. The power delivered by the LEO SSPS was highest which indicated that this SSPS may be efficient for the short term power requirement. However, it is observed from the results of the energy received over a year that the GEO based system is suitable for base load power plant as it is capable of delivering constant energy through out a year. Further, the weight of the rectenna and hence the space required for ground station for same power output is smallest for Molniya orbit based system for a range of rectenna array radius considered. It is thus envisaged that the Molniya orbit based system would be a better choice for commercial use of SSPS. These findings may help for judicious selection of satellite orbit and ground station location for placing the satellite for SSPS for various applications.     

Mars Express/ASPERA-3/NPI and IMAGE/LENA observations of energetic neutral atoms in Earth and Mars orbit

The low energy neutral atom imagers on Mars Express and IMAGE have revealed that the neutral atom populations in interplanetary space come from a variety of sources and challenge our current understanding of heliospheric physics. For example, both in cruise phase and at Mars, the neutral particle instrument NPD on Mars Express observed “unexplained neutral beams” unrelated to Mars which appear to be either of heliospheric or solar wind origin. Likewise, the NPI instrument on Mars Express has revealed streams of neutral atoms with different properties than those observed by NPD. Independently, IMAGE/LENA has reported neutral atom observations that may be interpreted as a “secondary stream” having different characteristics and flowing from a higher ecliptic longitude than the nominal upstream direction. Both sets of observations do not appear to fit in easily with the neutral atom environment from 1.0 to 1.57 AU as it is currently understood. In this paper, we examine some highly suggestive similarities in the IMAGE/LENA and Mars Express/ASPERA-3/NPI data to try to determine potential origins for the observed signal.     

Predictive fault-tolerant control of an all-thruster satellite in 6-DOF motion via neural network model updating

The problem of controlling an all-thruster spacecraft in the coupled translational-rotational motion in presence of actuators fault and/or failure is investigated in this paper. The nonlinear model predictive control approach is used because of its ability to predict the future behavior of the system. The fault/failure of the thrusters changes the mapping between the commanded forces to the thrusters and actual force/torque generated by the thruster system. Thus, the basic six degree-of-freedom kinetic equations are separated from this mapping and a set of neural networks are trained off-line to learn the kinetic equations. Then, two neural networks are attached to these trained networks in order to learn the thruster commands to force/torque mappings on-line. Different off-nominal conditions are modeled so that neural networks can detect any failure and fault, including scale factor and misalignment of thrusters. A simple model of the spacecraft relative motion is used in MPC to decrease the computational burden. However, a precise model by the means of orbit propagation including different types of perturbation is utilized to evaluate the usefulness of the proposed approach in actual conditions. The numerical simulation shows that this method can successfully control the all-thruster spacecraft with ON-OFF thrusters in different combinations of thruster fault and/or failure.