Geosynchronous orbit determination using high accuracy angular observations

As part of the High Accuracy Network Determination System (HANDS), Raven-class telescopes were built to provide observations with less than an arcsecond of error. While achieving low noise levels, previous work has shown that HANDS optical data contain systematic errors which limit orbit determination accuracy; therefore, the challenge is being able to fully utilize that data to produce deep-space orbits with great certainty. This paper presents findings that better define the limitations of the angles-only observation sets. The results presented supplement, refine, and provide more detailed analysis of the previous work in the areas of systematic error modeling, error assessment, and unmodeled perturbations. This research was accomplished by analyzing orbit determination solutions for a geosynchronous satellite (TDRS-5) and a decommissioned supersynchronous defense satellite (DSCS-3/A1).