Session B4b: Future of Space, Lunar, and Extraterrestrial Navigation 2

Filter Smoothing for Spacecraft Navigation
Cole A. Sherling, Will Driessen, Heying Zhang, Georgia Institute of Technology; Michael R. Walker II, Sandia National Laboratories; and John A. Christian, Georgia Institute of Technology
Location: Holiday 4-5 (Second Floor)
Date/Time: Thursday, Sep. 11, 1:50 p.m.

Accurate state estimation for spacecraft navigation is dependent upon receiving reliable measurements from various onboard sensors. However, state estimation accuracy may be impaired when measurements are unavailable due to communication loss, signal interference, hardware failure, or other undesirable conditions. Filter smoothing can enhance state estimation in periods of travel where measurement dropouts occur by utilizing existing estimates from a navigation filter and measurements from after the dropout. This study evaluates the performance of the Fraser-Potter smoother for satellite navigation in lunar orbit, with measurements available only in regions with direct line of sight to lunar surface beacons. Additionally, this work identifies the filter convergence ratio as a metric to predict the performance of the Fraser-Potter smoother in real-time applications.