A relative navigation application of ULTOR technology for automated rendezvous and docking

S. Joel Hannah

doi:10.1117/12.665055

19 May 2006 A relative navigation application of ULTOR technology for automated rendezvous and docking

S. Joel Hannah

Proceedings Volume 6220, Spaceborne Sensors III; 62200E (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.665055
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2006, Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida, United States

Abstract

NASA's initiative for space exploration will require the development of robotic servicing and unmanned resupply of permanent space borne facilities. An enabling technology to accomplish these goals is by sensor systems capable of Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) missions. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) conducted an experiment whose objective intent was to characterize sensor systems for potential use in RPOD scenarios. The MSFC experiment integrated candidate sensors with the Small Air Sled (SAS) on the air bearing floor of the MSFC Flight Robotics Lab. Advanced Optical Systems Inc. (AOS) has developed several different sensor technologies for Automated Rendezvous and Docking (AR&D). For the MSFC experiment, we applied AOS ULTOR advanced correlation technology as an AR&D sensor. The ULTOR system applied Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) algorithms to provide six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) information for target position and attitude. In addition, ULTOR provided a data-link interface to the SAS for closed loop guidance and navigation commands. Navigational data from the ULTOR system was collected during the experiment and compared to a MSFC truth sensor for position and attitude estimation accuracy. This data will be presented as well as videos recording the progression of the SAS under ULTOR control to the target.

Citation Download Citation

S. Joel Hannah "A relative navigation application of ULTOR technology for automated rendezvous and docking", Proc. SPIE 6220, Spaceborne Sensors III, 62200E (19 May 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.665055

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