Orbit Determination and Predicting Behaviours of Space Objects
This program is developing new tools to improve the accuracy and reliability of orbit predictions, including the development of new models for atmospheric mass density and earth gravitational field influence. Research Program 2 includes the sub-programs “Atmospheric Mass Density (AMD)” and “Reliable orbit determination (ROD)”.
2.1 Atmospheric Mass Density (AMD): This research involves collaboration with RMIT University, Electro Optic Systems (EOS) and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT Japan). The research stream will develop improved AMD models to support orbit propagation software tools. Research will also be conducted in the area of ray tracing and characterisation of the effects of solar heating which will feed into the calibrated atmospheric mass density models for evaluation. SERC is building on the collaboration between RMIT and EOS to reduce error levels in current atmospheric models from 15% to 2%, resulting in better accuracy.
2.1 Reliable orbit determination (ROD): Collaborative research partners on this project include RMIT, EOS and SERC. Predicting space collisions requires propagating the orbits of many space objects to a high accuracy. This sub-program seeks to develop robust OD methods for handling data sparse scenarios and identify data requirements for reliable OD/OP to provide the accuracy required for a variety of applications, including conjunction analysis.
