Operations function

Orbit Determination

Estimating a spacecraft's precise position and velocity from tracking data (ranging, Doppler, and angles) — the input to every manoeuvre and every science observation.

In brief

Estimating a spacecraft's trajectory from tracking measurements.

Connections

Related:Navigation Operations

Knowledge connections

Associated withFlight Dynamics
Associated withNavigation Operations

Sources

The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.

NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.
NASA JPLJet Propulsion Laboratory / Solar System Dynamics
Orbital data, ephemerides, and small-body parameters for planets, asteroids, and comets.