Method for three-axis attitude determination by image-processed star constellation matching

Hartmut Renken; Hans J. Rath

doi:10.1117/12.277199

23 June 1997 Method for three-axis attitude determination by image-processed star constellation matching

Hartmut Renken, Hans J. Rath

Proceedings Volume 3086, Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing XI; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.277199
Event: AeroSense '97, 1997, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

An unmanned system for automatically 3-axis attitude determination by star constellation matching is a very useful tool for applications primary in the field of satellite technology, where stars are visible all the time. A special designed CCD-camera-system, which is sensitive enough to detect stars, points to the direction to be determinated and captures stars within the camera field of view. By comparing these imaged star pattern with celestial coordinates out of a database-like star catalogue, a star pattern can be matched and the attitude can be calculated by using simple vector algebra. In partnership with other attitude determination systems, the accuracy and reliability for an attitude control system is increasing. Including camera hardware and image processing software, we realized a transputer-based onboard computer system for our own satellite missions. For terrestrial and groundbased pointing applications or post-mission attitude determination a powerful PC-based system is available with additional visualization features of certain steps during the image processing via a user-friendly desktop.

Citation Download Citation

Hartmut Renken and Hans J. Rath "Method for three-axis attitude determination by image-processed star constellation matching", Proc. SPIE 3086, Acquisition, Tracking, and Pointing XI, (23 June 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.277199

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