Orbit Determination from Optical Tracking

Douglas Duke

Experiences with data from optical tracking instrumentation at the Atlantic Missile Range have shown that excellent satellite orbit determinations can be obtained from such data. Results are exemplified by tracking data on passes of satellite 1958 delta one (Sputnik III rocket). Various methods of orbit determination are discussed and applications of some of the simpler methods are illustrated. For shortcomings found with existing equipment, specific improvements are recommended.

Print ISSN
Published
1960-01
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J00037