Development of a Star Identification Algorithm

Abstract

This paper is an overview of some of the current technology in star identification, and an explanation of an algorithm implemented to attempt to identify single stars. The overview section of the paper will describe the current trend in star imaging hardware, and how the charge coupled device (CCD) has revolutionized the star imaging process (No in-depth description of CCD technology will be made). It will also briefly describe the identification algorithms used prior to the advent of CCD technology. A portion of the paper will describe the triplet star identification algorithms, and the bright star matching technique. The bulk of the paper will be a detailed description of the single-star identification algorithm developed, an explanation of its implementation into MATHCAD format, and some explanation of problems associated with the implementation. An additional section overviews how well the algorithm works, as tested for a variety of stars. The conclusion of the paper will include a basic assessment of the value of the algorithm, and possibilities for future improvements to the algorithm.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 04, 1998
Accession Number
ADA358662

Entities

People

  • Jon L. Shumate

Organizations

  • University of Colorado, at Colorado Springs

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Algorithms
  • Attitude Control Systems
  • Charge Coupled Devices
  • Control Systems
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Data Sets
  • Detectors
  • High Resolution
  • Identification
  • Image Processing
  • Measurement
  • Navigation
  • Observation
  • Spacecraft
  • Star Position
  • Star Trackers

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Adaptive Control and Estimation with Uncertainty in Dynamic Systems.
  • Astronomy/Astrophysics
  • Computer Science.