Skip to main content
Article
Design and Verification of a Stereoscopic Imager for Use in Space Close Proximity Operations
Advances in the Astronautical Sciences
  • A. Reynolds
  • Henry J. Pernicka, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

Stereoscopic imaging presents an exciting, low-cost alternative to traditional methods of relative navigation for small satellites. This paper discusses the development and testing of a fast, effective computer vision algorithm for such a case. A brief overview of the MR SAT microsatellite and its stereoscopic imaging hard-ware is presented, followed by an in-depth discussion of the software development. The FAST, SURF, and FLANN computer vision algorithms employed in the imaging algorithm are detailed, and methods for reducing navigational errors in the space environment are developed. Results from laboratory testing and Systems Tool Kit (STK) simulations are presented, and imager performance is evaluated.

Meeting Name
42nd AAS Rocky Mountain Section Guidance and Control Conference (2019: Jan. 31-Feb. 6, Breckenridge, CO)
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
  • Computer vision,
  • Navigation,
  • Small satellites,
  • Stereo image processing, Computer vision algorithms,
  • Development and testing,
  • Imager performance,
  • Imaging algorithm,
  • Laboratory testing,
  • Relative navigation,
  • Space environment,
  • Stereoscopic imaging, Software design
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-087703661-6
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2019 Univelt Inc., All rights reserved.
Publication Date
2-1-2019
Publication Date
01 Feb 2019
Disciplines
Citation Information
A. Reynolds and Henry J. Pernicka. "Design and Verification of a Stereoscopic Imager for Use in Space Close Proximity Operations" Advances in the Astronautical Sciences Vol. 169 (2019) p. 47 - 58 ISSN: 0065-3438
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/henry-pernicka/70/