Intersatellite tracking methods for clustered geostationary satellites

With the assumption that two satellites are placed in geostationary orbit at a small constant longitudinal separation, the feasibility of relative orbit determination by means of intersatellite tracking is studied analytically. Two types of tracking are examined: range-and-angle tracking and range-only tracking. Two-body orbital motion with first-order approximation of the relative orbital motion is assumed. The effect of solar radiation perturbation is evaluated numerically, and the study which neglects the perturbation is justified. The accuracy assessment of the relative orbit determination is given in general terms.>