On the feasibility of applying robot vision to proximity extraction based on one camera in space

Existing robot vision algorithms are evaluated for application in space for proximity extraction using one camera. Lighting conditions and image formation differ from earth conditions which have implications. An algorithm is derived which is based on the use of run coding, tracking and a least mean error method. Problems concerning hardware...

Study of an attitude acquisition measurement technique using the ESA starmapper: Part I: Executive summary

The study deals with the rotational motion of a spin-stabilized spacecraft equipped with a V-slit sun sensor and the X-slit ESA starmapper. Assuming complete absence of an a priori attitude estimate, it is required to produce a rough estimate of the spacecraft attitude motion. It was assumed that sensor misalignments, external torques and...

Study of an attitude acquisition measurement technique using the ESA starmapper: Part two: final report

The study deals with the rotational motion of a spin-stabilized spacecraft equipped with a V-slit sun sensor and the X-slit ESA starmapper. Assuming complete absence of an a priori attitude estimate, it is required to produce a rough estimate of the spacecraft attitude motion. It was assumed that sensor misalignments, external torques and...

Digital filtering methods, with applications to spacecraft attitude determination in the presence of modelling errors. Part II: Extension of theory, and applications

The present issue is the second and final part of a report describing the results of a study about digital filtering. The first part is available as the report NLR TR 760U8 U. The report considers a number of digital filtering methods and gives examples of their application. The methods include batch processing methods and recursive methods....