Novel Algorithms for Modelling Vector Observations for Spacecraft Attitude Determination Using GPS Signals

S. Purivigraipong, Y. Hashida, M.J. Unwin

Abstract:	This paper describes a new technique for constructing a vector observation from scalar phase difference measurements for attitude determination using Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. A previous approach required three baselines for forming a non-coplanar configuration which can be impractical for spacecraft applications. The V-2b method presented here shows a new approach to make a three- dimensional vector observation from two arbitrary baseline measurements. Applying double phase difference and the V-2b method, offset error (line bias) in vector observations is eliminated. A simple attitude method (SAM) in least squares solution form is proposed for determining spacecraft attitude from vector observations. Simulation results are presented in this paper showing the robustness and fast processing time of the SAM method associated with the V-2b method by comparing with the least squares estimation method.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 11th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1998) September 15 - 18, 1998 Nashville, TN
Pages:	1773 - 1782
Cite this article:	Purivigraipong, S., Hashida, Y., Unwin, M.J., "Novel Algorithms for Modelling Vector Observations for Spacecraft Attitude Determination Using GPS Signals," Proceedings of the 11th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1998), Nashville, TN, September 1998, pp. 1773-1782.
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