On the accuracy of the SGP4 to predict stellar occultation events using ENVISAT/GOMOS data and recommendations for the ALTIUS mission

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Authors
Thoemel, J.
Mateshvili, N.
Demoulin, P.
Vanhellemont, F.
Pieroux, D.
Bingen, C.
Dekemper, E.
Franssens, G.
Robert, C.
Fussen, D.
Discipline
Physical sciences
Subject
SGP4
Astrodynamics
Accuracy
GOMOS
ENVISAT
ALTIUS
Audience
Scientific
Date
2019Metadata
Show full item recordDescription
In preparation for the operations of the ALTIUS mission, research is carried out to assess the accuracy of the SGP4 orbital propagator in predicting stellar occultation events. The quantification of the accuracy and its consequent improvement will enable reliable measurement planning and, therefore, maximize the number of measurements. To this end, predictions are made for the timing of occultations for the GOMOS instrument on-board the ENVISAT, which are then compared to actual occultation occurrences. It is found that the error is substantial but follows a trend that can be interpolated. This enables devising a method for highly accurate predictions given a sufficient number of data points. Statistically significant results for the accuracy of the propagator and a calibration method are presented. Recommendations for a measurement planning procedure of ALTIUS are formulated.
Citation
Thoemel, J.; Mateshvili, N.; Demoulin, P.; Vanhellemont, F.; Pieroux, D.; Bingen, C.; Dekemper, E.; Franssens, G.; Robert, C.; Fussen, D. (2019). On the accuracy of the SGP4 to predict stellar occultation events using ENVISAT/GOMOS data and recommendations for the ALTIUS mission. , CEAS Space Journal, Vol. 11, Issue 2, 147-159, DOI: 10.1007/s12567-018-0221-9.Identifiers
Type
Article
Peer-Review
Yes
Language
eng