Stereo-based tracking system for automated rendezvous and capture

Alan T. Smith; Timothy E. Fisher

doi:10.1117/12.157076

23 September 1993 Stereo-based tracking system for automated rendezvous and capture

Alan T. Smith, Timothy E. Fisher

Proceedings Volume 1949, Space Guidance, Control, and Tracking; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.157076
Event: Optical Engineering and Photonics in Aerospace Sensing, 1993, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

In the past, NASA tracking systems which provided range and bearing to targets have primarily been radar based. Advanced projects such as unmanned missions to the moon and Mars need automated rendezvous and capture (AR&C) to reduce operating costs and improve mission reliability. In the Tracking Techniques Branch at Johnson Space Center we are investigating the feasibility of a stereo digital image based sensor for AR&C. This system differs from traditional stereo systems in two significant ways. First, a passive cooperative target is used to calculate the range to three specific points as opposed to calculating a range map of the entire scene. The second unique feature is the image processing algorithms that are used to identify the target. In this paper the sensor's performance is compared to preliminary AR&C operating range and accuracy requirements. A theoretical error model is presented that predicts the sensor's accuracy as a function of range.

Citation Download Citation

Alan T. Smith and Timothy E. Fisher "Stereo-based tracking system for automated rendezvous and capture", Proc. SPIE 1949, Space Guidance, Control, and Tracking, (23 September 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.157076

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available