Abstract
Concepts from projective geometry are used to provide a coherent framework for the determination of orbits from observation data comprising lines of sight at three known times. A novel way of presenting the results in a finite diagram is introduced, The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated by an example, using a simple spreadsheet. A computer-graphic implementation is recommended.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Briggs, R. E. and Slowey, J. W.: 1959, ‘An Iterative Method of Orbit Determination from Three Observations of a Nearby Satellite’, Smiths, Inst. Astroph. Obs., Special Report 27.
Escobal, P. R.: 1965 (and 1985), Methods of Orbit Determination (Section 7.6), Wiley, New York (and Krieger, Malabar).
Gooding, R. H.: 1990, ‘A Procedure for the Solution of Lambert's Orbital Boundary-Vale Problem’, Celest. Mech. 48, 145–165.
Gooding, R. H.: 1993, ‘A New Procedure for Orbit Determination based on Three Lines of Sight (Angles Only)’, DRA Technical Report TR 93004,
Gooding, R. H.: 1997, ‘A New Procedure for the Solution of the Classical Problem of Minimal Orbit Determination from Three Lines of Sight’, Celest. Mech. 66, 387–423.
Lane, M. T.: 1992, ‘A Numerical Approach to the Angles-Only Initial Orbit Determination Problem’, Adv. Astronaut. Sci., 76, 55–72.
Sarnecki, A. J.: 1988, ‘‘Minimal’ Orbital Dynamics’ (with an Appendix by R, H, Gooding), Acta Astronautica, 17, 881–891.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sarnecki, A.J. A projective approach to orbit determination from three sight-lines. Celestial Mech Dyn Astr 66, 425–451 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00049380
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00049380