Orbit Maneuver Detection Based on Space-Based Angle Innovation

Abstract

Methods of orbit maneuver detection of space targets are studied in this paper based on the space-based angle measurement innovation, which aim to acquire a real-time or nearly real-time awareness of space orbit maneuver. First, the EKF model for evaluating space target motion is presented, which only uses the space-based angle measurements. Second, the innovation characteristic of the space orbit is investigated with a maneuver considered or not. Four methods of orbit maneuver detection are brought forward which are based on the hypothesis test on the distribution characteristic or parameters. Finally, the methods are compared using numeric simulations. The results show that the success rate larger than 80% can be achieved by three methods, i.e., the innovation and noise comparison method, the innovation comparison method and the normalized innovation method. Furthermore, the method of normalized innovation can achieve a success rate larger than 90% for a not too little maneuver. The research is beneficial to the construction of our space situation awareness system.