Related papers: Low-Earth Orbit Determination from Gravity Gradien…
Low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite communication systems that use millimeter-wave frequencies rely on large antenna arrays with hybrid analog-digital architectures for rapid beam steering. LEO satellites are only visible from the ground for…
The numerical integration method has been routinely used to produce global standard gravitational models from satellite tracking measurements of CHAMP/GRACE types. It is implemented by solving the differential equations of the partial…
We propose two algorithms to provide a full preliminary orbit of an Earth-orbiting object with a number of observations lower than the classical methods, such as those by Laplace and Gauss. The first one is the Virtual debris algorithm,…
Building upon earlier work, we explore the limits of using a configuration of satellites to measure the trace of the gravitational gradient tensor using intersatellite laser ranging and timing observables without relying on high-precision…
Space-based gravitational wave detection is based on the astrodynamical equations derived from gravitational theory to detect changes in distance between spacecraft/celestial bodies and/or their state changes caused by gravitational waves.…
While building up a catalog of Earth orbiting objects, if the available optical observations are sparse, not deliberate follow ups of specific objects, no orbit determination is possible without previous correlation of observations obtained…
The elements of the E\"otv\"os matrix are useful for various geodetic applications, such as the interpolation of the elements of the deflection of the vertical, the determination of gravity anomalies and the determination of geoid heights.…
The recent growing interest in small solar system bodies such as asteroids and comets for scientific inspection, exploitation of resources, and planetary defense reasons is pushing the development of innovative engineering solutions to…
We present methodology and mission results from orbit determination of Planet Labs nanosatellites and differential-drag control of their relative motion. Orbit determination (OD) is required on Planet Labs satellites to accurately predict…
We present the results of a large scale simulation, reproducing the behavior of a data center for the build-up and maintenance of a complete catalog of space debris in the upper part of the low Earth orbits region (LEO). The purpose is to…
Mapping the Earth's gravity field from space offers valuable insights into climate change, hydro- and biosphere evolution, and seismic activity. Current satellite gravimetry missions have demonstrated the utility of gravity data in…
We investigate the utility of a constellation of four satellites in heliocentric orbit, equipped with accurate means to measure intersatellite ranges, round-trip times and phases of signals coherently retransmitted between members of the…
The accuracy reached in the past few years by Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) allows for measuring even tiny features of the Earth's gravitational field predicted by Einstein's General Relativity by means of artificial satellites. The…
Atmospheric drag calculation error greatly reduce the low-earth orbit spacecraft trajectory prediction fidelity. To solve the issue, the "correction - prediction" strategy is usually employed. In the method, one parameter is fixed and other…
Attitude estimation or determination is a fundamental task for satellites to remain effectively operational. This task is furthermore complicated on small satellites by the limited space and computational power available on-board. This,…
This paper is related to our previous works [1][2] on the error estimate of the averaging technique, for systems with one fast angular variable. In the cited references, a general method (of mixed analytical and numerical type) has been…
Here we provide an alternative approach to determine the Earth's external gravitational potential field based on low-orbit target satellite (TS), geostationary satellites (GS), and microwave signal links between them. By emitting and…
Gravity gradiometry within the framework of the general theory of relativity involves the measurement of the elements of the relativistic tidal matrix, which is theoretically obtained via the projection of the spacetime curvature tensor…
Fast and precise propagation of satellite orbits is required for mission design, orbit determination in support of operations and payload data analysis. This demand must also comply with the different accuracy requirements set by a growing…
In this letter we reexamine the evaluation of \zone in some proposed tests of relativistic gravitomagnetism with existing and proposed laser--ranged LAGEOS--like satellites in the gravitational field of the Earth. A more conservative and…