2
$\begingroup$

I have to calculate the probability of collision at moment $t$ with space debris. I am using JSPOC algorythm described in https://www.space-track.org/documents/How_the_JSpOC_Calculates_Probability_of_Collision.pdf. I have the sizes both of the satellite and the debris. SGP4 and TLEs are used to find the position and velocity of the objects and also to calculate the covariance matrix according to algorythm described in Osweiler's dissertation, see https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a446817.pdf(or in "Covariance Propagation of Two-Line Element Data" by HUO Yurong, Li Zhi, Han Lei).

Unfortunately, my results do not coincide with the correct ones. I see several possible reasons for it:

1) The incorrectness of TLEs. It was mentioned in different conversations on Stackexchange that TLE are not very precise. Not having any other opportunities or, probably, being unaware of them, I am obliged to use TLEs.

-Maybe, I can obtain the state vector and/or covariance from other free sources? I have seen something in comments for Covariance matrix of a satellite position, but no concrete information, unfortunately.

2) Wrong method of calculating the covariance. In the publications mentioned above the 2 weeks range was used to calculate the covariance matrix, but no explanations to it was given. I suppose that theoretically the accuracy should be increasing with the increasing of the given data, but the computation error will raise, too.

-Is this number "14" some empirical guess or there is something deeper in it?

3) The coordinate frame. In the first paper the RTC system is used.

-Can coordinate change give us some different results (in general case)? Are there any advantages of one system comparing to the other?

$\endgroup$
4
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ It looks like you have asked "I did a calculation, the results disagree with the correct ones, why?" As currently written it's going to be a hard question to answers correctly, Where do the "correct results" come from? If they are based on any information besides the TLEs you are using then there's no way you will get results that agree. At epoch TLEs are only accurate to order 1 km so unless you are comparing two methods using the exact same TLEs + SGP4, you are comparing apples to oranges. $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Sep 2, 2019 at 10:09
  • $\begingroup$ As far as the two weeks is concerned, it's known that SGP4 loses accuracy far away from the epoch but I don't know of a hard cutoff at +/- 7 days. Slightly related and currently unanswered: Algorithmic methods or techniques to find conjunctions in large ensembles of state vectors? $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Sep 2, 2019 at 10:18
  • $\begingroup$ @uhoh, maybe there are some alternatives to TLE in free access? Also, I have found in space.stackexchange.com/questions/26832/… the following links: celestrak.com/software/tskelso-sw.php, movingsatellites.com/e_gps.html. As I understood, this is the software that provides the position of the satellite. I thought about using its results to create covariation and feed them with the position to my algorythm but not sure, whether it is reasonable. $\endgroup$ Sep 6, 2019 at 7:12
  • $\begingroup$ TLEs are really the only way to get positional information about satellites that I know of. I am sure that the movingsatellites program uses them, it says so right on that page, it just calls them " NORAD 2 LINE element set" TLE = Two Line Element set. It is reasonable, but not that accurate. I can't really help much further on this though. $\endgroup$
    – uhoh
    Sep 6, 2019 at 10:30

1 Answer 1

2
$\begingroup$

I can agree to uhoh here, it is really hard pointing out why your calculations does not match the "correct results", not knowing the calculations nor the source of those "correct results". Assuming you have them from the SpaceTrack public conjunction section suggested in the thread you linked, those are being done by JSpOC, thus it might be one of the best sources available publicly. Moreover, there is a linked manual regarding Spaceflight Safety Handbook for Operators in which the JSpOC paper you linked is attached. It also states that this work is based on Dr. Foster and F.C. Chan's work; as this [AGI paper][3] states:

In broad general terms and in chronological order, there are four main categories to classify the current [conjunction] models. These are the Foster (1992), Chan (1997), Patera (2001 & 2005) and Alfano (2005) models.

You might want to look into those papers. Foster 1992, A Parametric Analysis of Orbital Debris Collision Probability and Maneuver Rate for Space Vehicles uses data similar in accuracy to a SP (Special Perturbations) propagator rather then an SPG4 one for the Spacecraft:

The Space Shuttle is currently tracked by TDRSS transponder and C-band (5 cm wavelength) ground-based radar stations [...] The SP processor, when used with sufficient tracking data, produces state vectors comparable in accuracy with TDRSS and C-band tracking.

Applications such as FreeFlyer, STK, GMAT are also using one of the above mentioned models (or models derived from those) to determine a conjunction, therefore this methods can be used to create a probability of collision from TLE files, but that comes with a lower confidence level. For example I have ran a simulation in FreeFlyer using the method described by Foster in 1992 and I have found a collision probability at the exact same Epoch as in the SpaceTrack conjunction data (after propagating for 2 days with SGP4), but the value was significantly smaller and the accuracy continued to decrease in time so much that I was not even able to find other existing conjunctions.

Considering the SGP4 model has an error ~1 km at epoch and grows at ~1–3 km per day, this will always be an issue when working with TLEs. JSpOC works with private data comprising much more vectors describing the velocity and position of an object to provide this possibility of collision data.

Regarding other types of more accurate data regarding the position of a satellite, you might want to look into Ephemeris public files, as some of them are being propagated by SP propagators. Although they are noticeable in size and I have no experience in working with them, so it might not be the correct path. L.E.: Ephemeris files are also hard to come by and you probably won't find any for debris.

Also, I'd like to mention that I do not really know how you have the sizes of the debris, as are hard to come by online and are partially accurate anyways due to the observation methods.

From my knowledge, usually, a CMD file is provided after running a probability of collision analysis and then the result is run again through some kind of simulation such as Monte Carlo, thus it is an iterative process.

Hope this information helps.

[3]: https://www.agi.com/getmedia/05e56d95-73f9-422e-bde8-3a0c34946a69/Review-of-Conjunction-Probability-Methods-for-Short-term-Encounters.pdf?ext=.pdf)

$\endgroup$
5
  • $\begingroup$ You might also want to check this thread: space.stackexchange.com/questions/57687/… $\endgroup$ Sep 8 at 17:52
  • $\begingroup$ The OP hasn't been seen here for over 3 years. $\endgroup$ Sep 8 at 19:52
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Does it matter that much though? I have found a lot of answers through this forum by looking at questions that I have not asked,. I posted my answer here hoping that I may be able to help a person one day, it is not that relevant to me if it's the OP or not :) $\endgroup$ Sep 9 at 18:21
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Also I wouldn't mind someone pointing out mistakes in this response, there is always room for learning. $\endgroup$ Sep 9 at 18:42
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ No, it's great to answer old questions. I was just trying to set your expectations for an answer to your comment or an acceptance to your answer. $\endgroup$ Sep 9 at 18:43

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.