Differential Geometric Estimation for spacecraft formations orbits via a cooperative wireless positioning

The estimation of relative and absolute positions of spacecraft in a formation, using a novel wireless local positioning system (WLPS), is addressed. The WLPS enables one spacecraft to measure another spacecraft´s relative position vector. The Differential Geometric Filter is implemented to estimate the absolute and relative positions of the spacecraft in the formation. Two different scenarios are studied: (1) the observations include WLPS measurements only, and (2) the observations include WLPS measurements in addition to measurements for the absolute position of one spacecraft. Results show that the Differential Geometric Filter provides a fast covergence rate and stable estimation.