A Track-Catalogue Correlation Method for Space Debris Utilizing Time Error Correction and Multi-Features Joint Judgements

Track-Catalogue correlation is the precondition and foundation of large scale space object cataloging maintenance. The accuracy of correlation not only affects normal cataloging processing, but also affects the utilization of observation data and the effectiveness of space object surveillance system. In this paper, a method is put forward to improve the correlation accuracy of large-batch orbital track data. Firstly, based on the characteristics of orbit error propagation, a model is constructed to estimate the orbital prediction time error and to correct observation residual, aiming to transfer the large scale spatial error to a small scale time-domain error. Secondly, a correlation judgement model involving a four-parameter-joint feature vector is proposed, with threshold setting guidelines and a data correlation processing flow followed. Finally, some examples with regard to large-batch simulated and actual measured tracks are checked to illustrate the effectiveness of the method.