Sparse Information Orbit Estimation for Proliferated LEO

Texas A&M University (TAMU) and Applied Technology Associates (ATA) propose to develop and characterize a set of orbit determination and estimation algorithms for closely-spaced objects in low Earth orbit. The algorithms will span existing state-of-the-art-in-practice and possible state-of-the-art-in-research approaches. These algorithms will seek to extract maximal information out of existing sparse sensor data sources without the need to develop and/or build new sensors, where typical existing sensor types include radar, optical, and laser ranging. Four test cases have been identified for characterizing the algorithms’ performance.