Autonomous relative navigation algorithm research for formation flying satellites

The objective of this paper is to research the relative state, including relative position, velocity and relative attitude, determination of satellites flying in formation based on the relative distance measurements of global positioning system (GPS) like sensors. The approach uses two-point measurement of the relative orbit state to establish relative orbit and attitude kinematics and measuring equations, while there is no velocity measuring. State estimation is achieved through the unscented Kalman filter technology. Simulation results indicate that this approach is simple and effective and suitable for high accuracy relative navigation of formation flying satellites.