Precise Reentry Maneuver Estimation Using Radar Trilateration
Michael E. Hough · Journal of Guidance Control and Dynamics · 2019
An iterated recursive filter is formulated for radar trilateration of reentry maneuvers. Using range and range rate measurements from three radars in a regional network, trilateration provides very accurate three-dimensional position and velocity measurements, which improves drag and lift acceleration estimates. A new first-order, nonlinear vector differential equation specifies the rate of change of acceleration (or jerk). Acceleration process noise is determined from dynamic pressure estimates and mean-square area-to-mass covariances, which are derived from probability density functions that statistically characterize a family of expected maneuvers. Trilateration accuracies are demonstrated for demanding reentry maneuvers. Monte Carlo simulations assess accuracy sensitivity to modeling assumptions and to off-nominal reentry trajectories.