Augmented sensing-based on-orbit configuration estimation for large-scale distributed spacecraft systems

• Published in: Advances in space research Vol. 74; no. 4; pp. 1781 - 1792
• Main Authors: Xiao, Qihua, Xu, Bo, Wen, Guoguang, Meng, Yunhe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.08.2024
• Subjects: Augmented sensing; Bayesian inference; Configuration estimation; Incomplete measurement topology; Large-scale distributed spacecraft system; Incomplete measurement topology; Large-scale distributed spacecraft system; Configuration estimation; Bayesian inference; Augmented sensing
• ISSN: 0273-1177
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2024.05.049

On-orbit configuration estimation is one of the most important tasks for large-scale distributed spacecraft systems, yet incomplete measurement topologies limit the acquisition of partial inter-satellite relative navigation information. In this article, an on-orbit configuration estimation algorithm based on augmented sensing is proposed, which enables each spacecraft to extend the estimation range beyond the observation range without any communication overhead. Referring to the Bayesian inference process, the cooperative behavior of the large-scale distributed spacecraft system is applied to infer relative motion states of unobservable spacecrafts. Under the framework of scaled unscented transformations (SUT), we achieve high-accuracy configuration estimation for the large-scale distributed spacecraft system. Finally, the proposed algorithm is verified in a high-orbiting gravitational wave detector constellation with inter-satellite laser interferometers.