Attitude Estimation for Spacecraft Docking Based on EMVS Array via PARAFAC Algorithm

A spacecraft attitude estimation method based on electromagnetic vector sensors (EMVS) array is proposed, which employs the orthogonally constrained parallel factor (PARAFAC) algorithm and makes use of measurements of the two-dimensional direction-of-arrival (2D-DOA) and polarization angles, aiming to address the issues of incomplete, asynchronous, and inaccurate third-party reference used for attitude estimation in spacecraft docking missions by employing the electromagnetic wave's three-dimensional (3D) wave structure as a complete third-party reference. Comparative analysis with state-of-the-art algorithms shows significant improvements in estimation accuracy and computational efficiency with this algorithm. Numerical simulations have verified the effectiveness and superiority of this method. A high-precision, reliable, and cost-effective method for rapid spacecraft attitude estimation is provided in this paper.