ArticleThe journal of the astronautical sciences2026
Optimal Finite Difference Angular Velocity Estimation for Spacecraft.
Article in The journal of the astronautical sciences, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
This paper presents a practical, computationally efficient approach to spacecraft angular velocity estimation using the finite difference (FD) differentiation of star tracker attitude measurements. Intended for gyro-free applications such as within the star tracker processors themselves, this technique is not reliant on external sensors. Although prior studies have proposed similar finite difference techniques, this study provides a more accurate and rigorous model of angular velocity covariance. Additionally, we derive an analytical model of optimal measurement timing to balance noise and bias in the finite difference estimates. A series of simulations validates the revised covariance models and benchmarks the performance of the finite difference rate estimator against a conventional Multiplicative Extended Kalman Filter (MEKF). Although the FD estimates show significant latency-induced bias, the standard deviation of the measurements are improved by 40% or more compared to the MEKF.
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