Space Observation by the Australia Telescope Compact Array: Performance Characterization using GPS Satellite Observation

TL;DR

This paper develops and evaluates a system model for space observation using the Australia Telescope Compact Array, demonstrating significant improvements in satellite range and direction estimation through GPS data analysis.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel system model for range and DOA estimation tailored for space situational awareness using radio interferometry data.

Findings

Range and DOA estimation accuracy improved significantly.

GPS satellite data effectively evaluated the model.

Operational potential for SSA applications enhanced.

Abstract

In order to operationalize the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) for space situational awareness (SSA) applications, we develop a system model for range and direction of arrival (DOA) estimation based on the interferometric data. We employ the observational data collected from global positioning system (GPS) satellites to evaluate the developed model and demonstrate that, compared to a priori location propagated from the most recent two-line element (TLE), both range and direction information are improved significantly.