Analytic Initial Relative Orbit Solution for Angles-Only Space Rendezvous Using Hybrid Dynamics Method

A closed-form solution to the angles-only initial relative orbit determination (IROD) problem for space rendezvous with non-cooperated target is developed, where a method of hybrid dynamics with the concept of virtual formation is introduced to analytically solve the problem. Emphasis is placed on developing the solution based on hybrid dynamics (i.e., Clohessy-Wiltshire equations and two-body dynamics), obtaining formation geometries that produce relative orbit state observability, and deriving the approximate analytic error covariance for the IROD solution. A standard Monte Carlo simulation system based on two-body dynamics is used to verify the feasibility and evaluate the performance proposed algorithms. The sensitivity of the solution accuracy to the formation geometry, observation numbers is presented and discussed.