Attitude Mode Estimation from Computer Vision Data via Multiple Model Methods

Abstract

This report outlines the finished result in the scope of the work, which is Pointing Mode Determination of Resident Space Objects (RSOs). RSOs are any object orbiting another body, but this work focuses on selective satellites of which little information is known. The goal is to improve Space Situational Awareness (SSA) to be able to determine the intent of the spacecraft, as well as provide any other useful information. This information can be gathered using algorithms with information from resolved images of the RSO. The resolved images can be obtained with an Observing Satellite (OS), which is tasked with staying close to and pointing its sensor in the direction of the RSO. For the purposes of this work, the OS is already in place, orbiting near the RSO with a controller keeping the OS pointing at the RSO, and is taking resolved images. The input to the provided work is in the form of already-extracted feature points of the RSO in a two-dimensional image plane, used as measurements for the attitude determination algorithms of the Extended Kalman Filter.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 18, 2019
Accession Number
AD1092247

Entities

People

  • John Crassidis
  • Scott Geyer

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Equations
  • Estimators
  • Governments
  • Kalman Filters
  • Orbital Elements
  • Orbits
  • Probability
  • Resident Space Objects
  • Simulations
  • Situational Awareness
  • Space Objects
  • Space Situational Awareness
  • Spacecraft

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • Space
  • Space - Space Objects
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers