An Orbital Prediction Algorithm for LEO Satellites Based on Optical Observations of Short Arcs at Single Station

The forecasting technique of the target tracking based on the short arcs at single station is an important way to guarantee that high-precision photoelectric theodolites can normally track and capture the targets in unconventional environments. We construct the tracking prediction algorithm based on nonlinear filter, which can provide the guiding data for the closed loop tracking under normal circumstances. At the same time we also construct the target prediction algorithm based on the nonlinear transformation, without valid observational data, which can provide a track guidance for the theodolite and ensure that the targets will not be lost. It is demonstrated that the nonlinear filtering is more effective than the EKF (extended Kalman filter) in the tracking prediction algorithm of the short arcs at single station. The results indicate that the nonlinear filter designed in this paper can be used as the guiding algorithm for the optical tracking equipments. And its guiding accuracy is in the same order of magnitude of the theodolite's random measurement accuracy. When the systematic error of the equipments reaches 50″, the accuracy can achieve 20″ for predictions in 60 s. This still satisfies the requirement of the field of view of the tracking equipments.