Kalman Filtered Signal to Noise Ratio Pointing Vector Algorithm for the Space Station

J.D. Madsen and E.G. Lightsey

Abstract:	This paper investigates the performance of a signal to noise ratio (SNR) pointing vector algorithm to provide pointing vector estimates in the space station orbit. Such an algorithm can be used to point a vehicle or antenna in a desired direction. For example, it could be used to point an antenna at a geostationary communications satellite. Performance of the signal to noise ratio algorithm was investigated using a simple least squares analysis, a running average analysis, and a Kalman filter. Performance was evaluated under the three configurations expected on the Space Station: zenith pointing, inertial hold, and attitude maneuvers. The algorithm was also tested under the presence of expected error sources such as calibration errors, signal power shifts, and sky blockage. All investigations were carried out on a GPS signal simulator. The results demonstrate that a Kalman filtered SNR algorithm will 1) provide solutions that are generally accurate to better than 10 degrees, 2) provide some estimate of the solution even during signal outages, and 3) is relatively insensitive to the types of error sources expected in a Space Station environment.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2001 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 22 - 24, 2001 Westin Long Beach Hotel Long Beach, CA
Pages:	133 - 143
Cite this article:	Madsen, J.D., Lightsey, E.G., "Kalman Filtered Signal to Noise Ratio Pointing Vector Algorithm for the Space Station," Proceedings of the 2001 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Long Beach, CA, January 2001, pp. 133-143.
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