• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.80-86
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• 2010

We propose a spacecraft attitude estimation algorithm using a federated unscented Kalman filter. For nonlinear spacecraft systems, the unscented Kalman filter provides better performance than the extended Kalman filter. Also, the decentralized scheme in the federated configuration makes a robust system because a sensor fault can be easily detected and isolated by the fault detection and isolation algorithm through a sensitivity factor. Using the proposed algorithm, the spacecraft can continuously perform a given mission despite navigation sensor faults. Numerical simulation is performed to verify the performance of the proposed attitude estimation algorithm.