Apollo and Space Shuttle On-Board Navigation Systems: Application of Kalman Filtering Techniques

Peter M. Kachmar

Abstract:	The use of Kalman Filtering techniques in the on-board navigation systems for the Apollo Command Module and the Apollo Lunar Excursion Module was an important factor in the overwhelming success of the Lunar Landing Program. The adaptation and evolution of these techniques for the Space Shuttle rendezvous and entry navigation systems have been an important factor in the continuing success of the Space Shuttle program. This paper will present an historical perspective of the development of the navigation system designs for both programs. The evolution of the navigation system concepts and designs from those used successfully in the Apollo Program, to the navigation system concepts and designs used successfully in the Space Shuttle program, will be presented. Navigation sensors, system architecture and system operations will be described for the on-orbit, rendezvous, and entry and landing mission phases in which the Kalman filter was used for spacecraft navigation. System considerations and system level decisions, which influenced the structure and design of the navigation systems, will be discussed. A description of the key assumptions made in the formulation of the filters, which impacted system design and operation, will also be described. In addition, the impact of existing navigation related technologies (e.g. sensors, processors) on system architecture and operations will be described.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 58th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation and CIGTF 21st Guidance Test Symposium (2002) June 24 - 26, 2002 Hyatt Regency Hotel Albuquerque, NM
Pages:	315 - 335
Cite this article:	Kachmar, Peter M., "Apollo and Space Shuttle On-Board Navigation Systems: Application of Kalman Filtering Techniques," Proceedings of the 58th Annual Meeting of The Institute of Navigation and CIGTF 21st Guidance Test Symposium (2002), Albuquerque, NM, June 2002, pp. 315-335.
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