Aiding Angles-Only Navigation with Illumination Telemetry to Resolve Weak Observability

Abstract

This paper introduces the discrete measurement transition update (DMTU), a reformulation of the Kalman filter measurement update that is capable of processing discrete data. DMTU is applied to illumination data onboard a spacecraft to create a new observable for space navigation systems. It is shown that combining this new observable with intersatellite angle measurements creates an autonomous navigation system (Angles and Illumination Data Navigation [AIDnav]) capable of resolving the absolute orbits of both spacecraft. This novel navigation system is extremely low size, weight, and power, relying only on hardware already found on most spacecraft. It does not require cooperative spacecraft or more than one observer, nor does it require orbits or maneuvers that maximize observability. The performance of AIDnav is studied in a Monte Carlo simulation for a potential distributed Mars mission, and it is shown to be capable of determining an orbit with an average converged state error of 86 m and [Formula: see text]. This method of navigation is viable for many different orbital regimes, but is ideal for ride-along interplanetary missions, which will always have a nearby target to observe and an external source of navigation before capturing into orbit at the destination central body.