Satellite Orbit Determination With Parallactic Refraction Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing satellite orbit determination methods using optical observation systems suffer from inaccuracies due to the neglect of parallactic refraction effects, leading to inferior precision in satellite orbit estimation.

Innovation Solution

A method that simultaneously estimates and corrects the parallactic refraction scale factor in the satellite optical observation model, using a batch least square estimation algorithm to minimize residuals between actual and calculated observation data, while incorporating a high-precision orbit propagator and dynamics model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the optical observation model in the related art is used, then the satellite orbit determination can be performed, but the precision is inferior due to neglecting parallactic refraction effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesatellite orbit determination precisionVSAvoidobservation model accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a parallactic refraction scale factor as a new parameter to modify the observation model. This parameter change allows the model to account for parallactic refraction effects that were previously neglected, thereby improving the accuracy of satellite orbit determination without fundamentally changing the observation methodology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a star catalog as an intermediary reference to establish the relationship between satellite positions and refraction effects. By comparing satellite observations with star catalog data, the system can estimate and correct for parallactic refraction, improving measurement precision through this intermediary reference frame

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If excessive refraction correction is performed assuming satellite refractive index equals star refractive index, then the observation model can be simplified, but errors appear as parallactic refraction effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobservation model complexityVSAvoidsatellite position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing a scale factor that specifically adjusts for parallactic refraction in the satellite observation model. Rather than applying uniform refraction correction to all observations, the scale factor locally modifies the correction applied to satellite-specific observations, accounting for their unique characteristics compared to star observations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses partial action by introducing a scale factor that partially adjusts the refraction correction rather than applying full correction. This partial adjustment approach allows the model to account for parallactic refraction effects without requiring complete reworking of the observation model, balancing simplicity and accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach significantly improves the precision of satellite orbit determination by accurately accounting for parallactic refraction, reducing prediction errors and enhancing the accuracy of satellite position and velocity vector estimation.

Implementation Method 1

the optical observation model in the related art does not take into account the parallactic refraction effect, and thus has a problem of inferior precision when applied to satellite orbit determination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParallactic refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12509250B2Method of satellite precise orbit determination using parallactic refraction scale factor estimation

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 KOREA ASTRONOMY & SPACE SCI INST

AI summary

A method of determining a precise orbit of a satellite through estimation of a parallactic refraction scale factor is proposed, the method includes inputting an initial estimate including initial orbit information of a satellite with respect to an observation epoch and the parallactic refraction scale factor; performing orbit propagation using a high-precision orbit propagator by applying a dynamics model; performing observer-centered satellite optical observation modeling including the parallactic refraction scale factor; calculating an observation residual between actual optical observation data and observation data calculated via the observation modeling reflecting the parallactic refraction; and precisely determining the orbit of the satellite by estimating the parallactic refraction scale factor and a satellite state vector using a batch least square estimation algorithm.