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Optimal Finite Difference Angular Velocity Estimation for Spacecraft
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DOI：10.1007/s40295-026-00570-6.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
This paper presents a practical, computationally efficient approach to spacecraft angular velocity estimation using the finite difference (FD) differentiation of star tracker attitude measurements. Intended for gyro-free applications such as within the star tracker processors themselves, this technique is not reliant on external sensors. Although prior studies have proposed similar finite difference techniques, this study provides a more accurate and rigorous model of angular velocity covariance. Additionally, we derive an analytical model of optimal measurement timing to balance noise and bias in the finite difference estimates. A series of simulations validates the revised covariance models and benchmarks the performance of the finite difference rate estimator against a conventional Multiplicative Extended Kalman Filter (MEKF). Although the FD estimates show significant latency-induced bias, the standard deviation of the measurements are improved by 40% or more compared to the MEKF.
Keywords:
Angular velocity estimation
Error covariance
Finite difference approximation
Spacecraft attitude estimation
Star trackers
Journal
J
IF:
1.5
Papers:
61
Citations:
1.2K