Method and device for determining the relative position and the relative path of two space vehicles

摘要

A method and device for determining the relative position and the natural relative path of an approaching space vehicle with respect to an approached space vehicle. At each of two successive instants t1 and t2, the apparent position and apparent magnitude of the approached space vehicle are measured, and the position of the reference point (o) of the approaching space vehicle is calculated. The components of the relative velocity of the approaching space vehicle with respect to the approached space vehicle are calculated; and the position coordinates of the reference point tied to the approaching space vehicle are calculated at an arbitrary instant t.