Theories and Technologies of Tracking and Orbit-Measuring

Tracking and orbit-measuring refers to tracking and measuring the flight trajectory of a flight vehicle by using measurement elements such as range, velocity, angle, and altitude measured by the measuring stations. “Trajectory” is a general term. The unpowered flight trajectory of spacecraft-like satellites refers to orbit, which follows the orbital dynamics. The powered flight trajectory of missiles and rockets refers to ballistic trajectory; the flight trajectory of aircrafts generally refers to track. Trajectory and track both follow the aerodynamics. Thus, orbit-measuring as discussed in this book refers to orbit measurement of spacecraft, trajectory measurement of missiles, and track measurement of aircrafts.