Design and Verification of a Stereoscopic Imager for Use in Space Close Proximity Operations

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

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0065-3438

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2019 Univelt Inc., All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Feb 2019

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