Dacking of Ballistic Objects at High Altitudes

James L. Farrell

Abstract:	Computational results have been derived for radar tracking of a ballistic object. The operation described herein is quite promising, capable of producing final errors commensurate with accuracy of the sensor itself. A major opportunity to achieve superior performance was exploited here, by using an orbit determination approach. Some insight is gained also into l maximum instantaneous errors (during coast, when elevation geometry precludes updating) + l anticipatory ability, but those features are heavily dependent on parameter values (e.g., trajectory shape, radar location). Two example trajectories were used for illustrative purposes herein; each produced about a minute of post-reacquisition Cpost-coast”) active tracking time. More specific evaluation of that time interval must be left to individual applications. An additional goal of the original effort was to assess the potential benefit of using additional sensing provisions (e.g., IR) to improve, from long range, the accuracy of path determination. Not surprisingly, that potential is limited to improved determination of the origin (not the destination) of the tracked object. These and all other results are quantified in the results to be presented.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1992 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 27 - 29, 1992 Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego, CA
Pages:	189 - 194
Cite this article:	Farrell, James L., "Dacking of Ballistic Objects at High Altitudes," Proceedings of the 1992 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, San Diego, CA, January 1992, pp. 189-194.
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