Six Decades of Reaching for the Stars—the Journey of Researcher Wu Lian-da in Satellite Orbit Computation

This paper reviews the author’s research journey in the theoretical study and engineering practice of orbit determination and prediction for Chinese artificial satellites since he joined the satellite observation system of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1964. Starting with the development of orbit determination and prediction schemes for the Dongfanghong-1 satellite, this paper summarizes major research undertakings, including satellite dynamic geodesy, space debris surveillance, and the development of photoelectric array systems, as well as fundamental theoretical achievements in satellite dynamics. It concludes with the research philosophy of “discipline development driven by major miss-ions” and provides insightful suggestions for young researchers.