Skip to main content
Log in

Star-sensor-based predictive Kalman filter for satellite attitude estimation

  • Published:
Science in China Series F: Information Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A real-time attitude estimation algorithm, namely the predictive Kalman filter, is presented. This algorithm can accurately estimate the three-axis attitude of a satellite using only star sensor measurements. The implementation of the filter includes two steps: first, predicting the torque modeling error, and then estimating the attitude. Simulation results indicate that the predictive Kalman filter provides robust performance in the presence of both significant errors in the assumed model and in the initial conditions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Vathsal, S., Nonlinear Filtering for Spacecraft Attitude Estimation, AIAA-86-0253, Washington: AIAA.

  2. Psiaki, M. L., Martel, F., Pal, P. K., Three-axis attitude determination via Kalman filtering of magnetometer data, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 1990, 13(3): 506–514.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Lin Yurong, Deng Zhenglong, Real time estimation and compensation for errors in the inertial reference system onboard a satellite based on star sensors, Journal of Chinese Inertial Technology (in Chinese), 1999, 7(4): 25–29.

    MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  4. Crassidis, J. L., Markley, F. L., Predictive filtering for attitude estimation without rate sensors, Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 1997, 20(3): 522–527.

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  5. Lefferts, E. J., Kalman Filtering for Spacecraft Attitude Estimation, AIAA-82-0070R, Washington: AIAA.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lin Yurong.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lin, Y., Deng, Z. Star-sensor-based predictive Kalman filter for satellite attitude estimation. Sci China Ser F 45, 189–195 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1360/02yf9017

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1360/02yf9017

Keywords

Navigation