Attitude determination by kalman filtering

To improve the reliability of satellite attitude determination systems, it is desirable to replace complex instrumentation by crude measuring devices with sophisticated data processing. A minimum variance simulation is described, using magnetic and solar measurements for both spinning and locally oriented vehicles. The program obtains linearized ensemble statistics of the rotational uncertainties, and also generates a Monte Carlo sample containing the effects of dynamic and geometric non-linearities. Results demonstrate feasibility although, prior to mechanization of an operational system, the data conditioning procedures described herein should be optimized, additional observables should be utilized wherever possible, and the system should be extended for compensation of systematic errors and non-linearities.