Millimeter-wave insect vision sensors for collision avoidance in space

David C. Goodfellow; Derek Abbott

doi:10.1117/12.369256

15 November 1999 Millimeter-wave insect vision sensors for collision avoidance in space

David C. Goodfellow, Derek Abbott

Proceedings Volume 3838, Mobile Robots XIV; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.369256
Event: Photonics East '99, 1999, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

A novel collision avoidance sensor with possible application in satellite navigation is presented. Passive radiometric detection of colliding objects is used, offering the advantage that it does not interfere with satellite communication or guidance systems. Operation in the millimetre-wave band allows the possibility of full scale integration of front-end detection circuitry with the back-end signal processing. And the use of insect vision models, in the processing, leads to reduced circuit complexity. Such a compact sensing system could be ideal for integration into the structure of nanosatellites1 - these are very small satellites weighing less than 10 kg. These next generation satellites will operate in clusters, thus detection and avoidance of neighbouring satellites is vital to the success of such configurations. This paper discusses the design and structure of our mm-wave collision avoidance sensor2 and predicts the performance3 for the orbital environment. The effects of strong radiation sources and the dynamics of satellite heating and motion are explored. Methods and techniques for obtaining this information are discussed.

Citation Download Citation

David C. Goodfellow and Derek Abbott "Millimeter-wave insect vision sensors for collision avoidance in space", Proc. SPIE 3838, Mobile Robots XIV, (15 November 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.369256

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