AAS 97-609
SATELLITE POSITION DILUTION OF PRECISION (SPDOP)
K.C. Carlton-Wippern - University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Abstract
This paper presents a theoretical first order mathematical analysis on satellite position error growth. The analysis utilizes the Langevin equation approach from statistical mechanics and first order perturbation theory to develop a set of differential equations which govern the growth of satellite position error variances on the different axes of motion. The basic force model used is the Keplerian inverse square force from classical celestial mechanics, coupled with stochastic ensemble forces consistent with statistical mechanics literature. Also addressed is the impact of a first order stochastic drag term on the satellite position dilution of precision problem, which is a principle perturbing factor in orbit determination and satellite propagation.