Improved weak space object tracking assisted by strong target

Abstract

Radar sensor is a promising candidate for space surveillance, providing timely assessment of space objects and events. Weak space target tracking is a challenging conundrum mainly because of the low detection probability and poor measurement accuracy. In this study, a novel method of weak space target tracking assisted by strong space target is proposed. By introducing the relative motion tracking, the steady-state estimates of strong target are utilised to improve the state estimation of weak target. Compared with weak target tracking without strong target assistance, the proposed tracking method can provide higher state estimation accuracy, faster convergence rate and better track validity probability for weak target. The results of numerical simulations have validated the effectiveness of the proposed technique.