Space-based space surveillance (SBSS) is required to observe objects in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) without weather restriction and with improved viewing geometry. SBSS satellites have thus far been placed in Sun-synchronous orbits (SSO). This paper investigates the benefits to GEO orbit determination (including the estimation of area and mass) gained by using an optical telescope placed in geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). Precise ephemerides of Galaxy 15 and a fictitious debris object are used with sparse, simulated astrometric and photometric measurements to analyze capabilities of a standalone GTO-based SBSS platform as well as in combination with an SSO sensor. Results show that the use of a GTO improves velocity and mass estimation as compared to an SSO. Together, the two sensor platforms significantly reduce the estimated соvariance for position, velocity, area, and mass of GEO objects.
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