Joint tracklet association and spatial calibration for space-based optical observations

Within the domain of Space Situational Awareness (SSA), tracklet association is a critical step for accurate orbit determination. Conventional approaches typically assume perfectly calibrated observations, thereby neglecting the interdependence between tracklet association and spatial calibration. For space-based optical sensors, spatial deviations induced by spacecraft attitude errors further exacerbate this challenge. Incorrect associations lead to inaccurate calibration, and vice versa, forming a vicious cycle that degrades orbit tracking accuracy and undermines SSA reliability. To overcome these challenges, this paper proposes a joint tracklet association and spatial calibration approach for space-based optical observations. By integrating both processes into a unified optimization framework with iterative feedback, the proposed method enables accurate association and calibration simultaneously. Simulation results verify its effectiveness and demonstrate its potential to enhance the accuracy, robustness, and safety of space object tracking.