Optical Data Processing Using Directional Statistics In a Multiple Hypothesis Framework With Maneuvering Objects

Maintaining custody of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) is of particular importance to the Space Situational Awareness (SSA) community. Custody can be lost when data providers are unaware of changes in RSO dynamics. Recent literature has shown the benefits of using directional statistics within a multiple hypothesis framework to aid in maintaining custody of maneuvering RSOs. In this paper, these benefits are explored by the use of the Fisher-BinghamKent (FBK) distribution for observation-to-track association of angles-only optical data. It is shown that the use of FBK for data association can aid in preventing loss of custody by reducing sensitivity to biases and avoiding type II errors.