Improving Observability of Relative Orbit Estimation Using Bearing Measurements and Light Curves

Abstract

Relative orbit estimation using optical observations is a key technology for on-orbit servicing missions. In the far-range phase, the target appears as an unresolved point source, providing only bearing angles (azimuth and elevation) from the servicing satellite. Angles-only navigation is inherently challenging due to the weak observability of the relative range. To address this limitation, this study investigates the effectiveness of an estimation scheme that fuses photometric light curve data with bearing measurements. Since the light intensity depends on the relative distance, fusing light curves enhances the observability of the relative state. The Ashikhmin-Shirley model is used as the optical reflectance model, and observability analysis is conducted with the Fisher information matrix. Numerical simulations involving different target geometries, a flat plate and a box-wing satellite, demonstrate that integrating light curve measurements significantly enhances observability and enables faster convergence compared to conventional state estimation methods.

33 pages. Accepted for publication in Journal of Space Safety Engineering