Summary of algorithms for determination of spacecraft attitude from vector observations

With appearance of gyro less spacecrafts, study of attitude determination from vector observations drew much attention. The determination of attitude from vector observations is incomplete and there are many problems to be solved. Achievements have been made by foreign researchers in recent thirty years. In order to provide useful reference for our future research work, the primary research results of those achievements about determination of attitude from vector observations is introduced by dividing them into deterministic methods and sate estimation algorithms. Both basic ideas and development status of typical algorithms are illustrated and analyzed through comparison. Considering the current development and future trend of the aerospace science and technology, the important actual significance of making research into algorithms for determination of gyro less attitude from vector observations is indicated: not only the academic base has been established for advancing development of small (gyro less)spacecrafts, but also a novel thought has been suggested for lengthening the life span of spacecraft loaded with gyros.