The Kalman Filter Applied to Aerospace and Electronic Systems

The evolution of the application of the Kalman filter in the aerospace arena is traced. The major programs that were the driving forces for the filter's acceptance are noted, as are the specific threads of activity for refining and enhancing the initial contribution. These efforts brought the fundamental ideas presented by Kalman to the point where actual application was possible. Clearly the concepts of the Kalman filter are now "mature." This is also noted and substantiated.