Low-Frequency Error Extraction and Compensation for Attitude Measurements from STECE Star Tracker

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Astrodynamics
• Satellite Technology

Background:

• Low-frequency errors (LFE) significantly impact high-accuracy satellite attitude determination.
• Existing methods struggle to effectively extract and compensate for these critical errors in star tracker measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a novel approach for extracting and compensating low-frequency errors in star tracker attitude measurements.
• To enhance the accuracy and consistency of attitude determination for satellite missions.

Main Methods:

• A new method combining Fourier analysis with the Vondrak filter (FAVF) was developed to analyze and extract LFE.
• Orbital reproducibility features of LFE were identified and utilized for pattern estimation.
• A compensation strategy based on estimated LFE patterns was implemented.

Main Results:

• The FAVF method successfully extracted LFE from two test star trackers on the STECE satellite.
• Remarkable orbital reproducibility features were observed in the LFE, enabling effective pattern estimation.
• The proposed LFE compensation strategy significantly improved consistency between the two star trackers.

Conclusions:

• The FAVF method is effective for identifying and compensating low-frequency errors in star tracker data.
• The new compensation strategy leads to a substantial reduction in attitude determination residuals.
• This approach offers a viable solution for enhancing the precision of satellite attitude determination systems.