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An Evaluation of Parallel Least Squares Methods for Multisatellite Orbit Determination

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Abstract

Previous studies of parallel processing methods for use with satellite related, many parameter estimation problems indicated the need for faster numerical integration methods. A study of parallel numerical integration methods for use in satellite orbit determination showed only slight improvement over the fastest serial methods, thus prompting the reexamination of the role of numerical integration in a parallel estimation scheme. A parallel orbit determination scheme, parallel in both observation processing and least squares solution, was implemented. The fastest parallel method, run on twenty-four processors, showed a 33% improvement over the fastest serial method for the case of estimating twenty-four GPS satellite orbits. To determine the relative time spent in numerical integration a detailed analysis of the time spent in each of the primary steps of the parallel method was completed. This analysis showed that numerical integration does not account for a significant fraction of the computing times. In addition, the analysis revleaed that delays due the the synchronization of processors were a limit on the performance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Texas at Austin, Center for Space Research, 1 University Station R1000, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    Peter Nagel (Research Associate) & Bob E. Schutz (Professor and Associate Director)

Authors
  1. Peter Nagel
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  2. Bob E. Schutz
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Correspondence to Peter Nagel.

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Nagel, P., Schutz, B.E. An Evaluation of Parallel Least Squares Methods for Multisatellite Orbit Determination. J of Astronaut Sci 50, 231–239 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03546264

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03546264

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