Satellite Orbit Estimation from Visual Data

This study investigates the determination of artificial satellite orbital elements using ground-based visual observations. Accurate orbit determination is essential for satellite tracking, trajectory prediction, and space situational awareness. Time-tagged angular measurements from optical observations are used to estimate the classical orbital elements of an artificial satellite. The orbit determination process combines dynamical modeling of satellite motion under Earth’s gravitational field with statistical estimation techniques. Preliminary orbit determination methods provide an initial estimate of the satellite state vector, which is then refined through a statistical parameter estimation procedure. Statistical analysis evaluates the quality and consistency of the estimated orbital elements. Error propagation, residual analysis, and parameter uncertainty assessments quantify the reliability of the derived orbit. The results demonstrate that, despite observational limitations such as measurement noise and atmospheric effects, visual tracking data can serve as a valuable source for orbit determination and satellite tracking. These approaches complement advanced tracking systems and contribute to broader space surveillance efforts, particularly when integrated into distributed ground-based observation networks.