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Advanced Satellite Conjunction Risk Assessment Methods
A NASA software catalog entry available for reuse or request.
About this technology
Overview
The two-dimensional probability of collision calculation method is both widely used and computationally efficient. However, Monte Carlo simulations show that this method sometimes fails to provide sufficiently accurate estimates for Earth-orbiting satellites. This software provides a multistep algorithm that calculates collision probabilities for all conjunctions, regardless if affected by curvilinear trajectory or time varying covariance dynamics. The algorithm sequentially applies increasingly accurate estimation methods, but only as required for efficiency. Evaluating usage violations for the two-dimensional probability of collision method represents one of the most important steps. Extensive testing demonstrates the efficiency and reliability of the multistep algorithm.