Selection of the best initial orbital elements of satellite based on fuzzy integration evaluation method

The fuzzy integration evaluation method (FIEM) is studied in order to select the best orbital elements from the multi-group initial orbits determined by a satellite TT&C (Tracking, Telemetry and Control) center with all kinds of data sources. By employing FIEM together with the experience of TT&C experts, the index system to evaluate the selection of the best initial orbits is established after the data sources and orbit determination theories are studied. Besides, the concrete steps in employing the method are presented. Moreover, by taking the objects to be evaluated as evaluation experts, the problem of how to generate evaluation matrices is solved. Through practical application, the method to select the best initial orbital elements has been proved to be flexible and effective. The originality of the method is to find a new evaluation criterion (comparing the actually tracked orbits) replacing the traditional one (comparing the nominal orbits) for selecting the best orbital elements.