The celestial mechanics interpretation of measurements of the radio system ‘Kvant-D’ for deep space spacecraft

This paper presents the processing method for tracking data of the deep space spacecraft, performed by tracking station ‘Kvant-D’. The range and range rate models are considered. The equations are given, which connect measured radio engineering parameters of tracking system with the spacecraft's state-vectors and antenna's position and velocity. The measuring system ‘Kvant-D’ was developed in RNII KP for providing Phobos mission in 1988/1989 and following flights to Mars. The 'Kvant-D' will be used as a base measuring system in the project ‘Phobos-Sample-return’, which main goal is delivery of the soil samples of Phobos to the Earth. Keldysh institute of applied mathematics conducts the activities on ballistics and navigation of the project ‘Phobos sample return’. Within the framework of these activities the analysis of capabilities of the measuring system ‘Kvant-D’ is carried out.