Satellite orbit determination using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data

卫星轨道确定（OD）是利用各种观测和测量确定轨道物体的位置和速度的方法。轨道确定对于现代空间操作和卫星应用，例如大地测量、导航、通信和许多其它领域是重要的。一些航天器希望仅使用星上测量数据进行自主轨道确定，以保证独立于地面设施。 自动识别系统（AIS）是一种主要为海上安全目的而设计的通信系统。AIS数据提供了一个信息源，可用于在空间上表示传输接收范围内的船舶运动。 该研究项目的目标是开发利用船舶AIS数据精确定轨的有效技术。通过该项目开发的方法可应用于没有星上轨道确定解决方案的卫星。

Satellite orbit determination (OD) is the method of determining the position and velocity of an orbiting object using various observations and measurements. Orbit determination is important for modern space operations and satellite applications, such as geodesy, navigation, communications, and many other areas. Autonomous orbit determination using only on-board measurements is desired for some spacecraft to guarantee independence from the ground facilities. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a communications system designed primarily for the purposes of maritime safety. AIS data provides a source of information which can be used to spatially represent vessel movements within the receiving range of transmissions. The objective of this research project is to develop effective techniques for precise orbit determination using AIS data from ships. The methods developed through this project can be applied to satellites with no on-board orbit determination solution.