On-ground validation of a CNN-based monocular pose estimation system for uncooperative spacecraft: Bridging domain shift in rendezvous scenarios

The estimation of the relative pose of an inactive spacecraft by an active servicer spacecraft is a critical task for close-proximity operations, such as In-Orbit Servicing and Active Debris Removal. Among all the challenges, the lack of available space images of the inactive satellite makes the on-ground validation of current monocular...

Evaluation of tightly- and loosely-coupled approaches in CNN-based pose estimation systems for uncooperative spacecraft

The relative pose estimation of an inactive spacecraft by an active servicer spacecraft is a critical task in the design of current and planned space missions, due to its relevance for close-proximity operations, such as In-Orbit Servicing and Active Debris Removal. This paper introduces a novel framework to enable robust monocular pose...