The detection and identification of tethered satellite systems is a problem of current interest. Most previous studies focused on the detection and identification of one tethered satellite system using the observations of one satellite in the system. Here, we consider the problem of determining which of two or more satellites that are observed to be in relatively close proximity are tethered. Two-satellite and three-satellite tethered systems are modeled using a multi-body formulation in which the constraints of constant tether lengths are included through the use of Lagrange multipliers. All satellites are considered to be point masses, except for the purpose of including aerodynamic drag, and the masses of the tethers are neglected compared to those of the satellites. The mathematical model is used to produce simulated motion of single and tethered satellites from which “observations” of range, azimuth, and elevation are obtained. A method for discriminating tethered and un-tethered satellites by considering estimates of Lagrange multipliers is described and applied. Two-satellite and three-satellite tethered systems are detected in a set of satellites using observations over a short time period.


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    Title :

    Detection of Tethered Satellite Systems


    Additional title:

    J of Astronaut Sci


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2004-03-01


    Size :

    14 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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